Japan to give $23m for advanced meteorological radar systems

In a bid to improve weather forecasting system in Bangladesh, Japan will provide US $23 million to build next-generation meteorological radar systems in Dhaka and Rangpur.

Takeshi Matsunaga, chargé d' affaires of Japanese embassy, and Mohammad Mejbahuddin, senior secretary of Economic Relations Division, yesterday signed an agreement in this regard in the capital.

One of the radar systems, which will be constructed in Gazipur's Joydevpur, will replace the existing one in Dhaka, said a Japanese embassy press release.

Japan has already provided assistance for upgrading radar systems in Cox's Bazar, Khepupara and Moulvibazar equipping them with S-band Doppler radars and the new radar systems will also be equipped with such radars.

S-band Doppler radar can collect three dimensional meteorological data on atmospheric moisture, intensity of rain and wind velocity distribution much faster and more accurately.

With these advanced technologies, it will be possible to deliver advance and more accurate warnings about calamities, and improve safety control of aviation.

All five meteorological radars in Bangladesh were established with Japanese grant assistance.