Bangladesh set to observe International Lightning Safety Day Saturday

Bangladesh is set to mark International Lightning Safety Day for the first time on Saturday, June 28, amid growing concerns over the increasing number of deaths and damages caused by lightning strikes across the country.

The event will be held at the Bangladesh-China Maitri Conference Center in Dhaka, featuring a series of activities designed to raise public awareness about lightning safety.

Organized jointly by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) under the SOFAL-2 project and the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the day’s programme includes a rally with participation from students and volunteers, exhibitions of lightning safety equipment, awareness campaigns through Bengali slogans and posters, and expert panel discussions.

Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, will be the chief guest at the event. The discussions will focus on the current lightning warning systems, awareness strategies, and debunking common misconceptions about lightning.

Key speakers include K. M. Abdul Wadud, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief; Md. Mominul Islam, Director of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department; Rezwanur Rahman, Director General of the Department of Disaster Management; Ahmadul Haque, Director of Cyclone Preparedness Program; Urmi Ahsan, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension; S. M. Kausarul Hasan, Deputy Director of the Meteorological Department; and Khan Md. Golam Rabbani, Weather Expert from RIMES.

This inaugural observance highlights Bangladesh’s commitment to enhancing public safety and reducing lightning-related casualties through increased awareness and preparedness.