Bangladesh’s Meteorological Department is operating under severe pressure from staff shortages, a long-running promotion backlog, ageing technology and reduced budget allocations, according to a report published on August 16, 2026. Of 1,338 posts approved under its new organisational structure, only 557 are filled. Many weather observation centres and key divisions are being run by acting officials or extremely limited staffing, affecting the agency’s capacity to provide accurate forecasts and disaster warnings.

The department has 61 observation stations under eight divisional offices, with 24 stations staffed by only one to three people despite round-the-clock operations requiring far more personnel. Officials said recruitment and promotions have been halted since 2013. Stakeholders also raised concerns over the status of the top leadership post and attempts to fill a technical role with administrative cadre officials.

Funding for fiscal year 2026-27 was reduced to Tk 99 crore 51 lakh 72 thousand from Tk 109 crore 19 lakh in the previous year. Three radar systems have become permanently inoperable due to age and maintenance problems, while radar systems in Dhaka and Rangpur remain operational, acting director Mominul Islam said. He said a new organogram and policy had been approved and expressed hope that recruitment, promotions and radar replacement would be addressed soon.