Climate Of Bangladesh Research Articles

Analyzing the rhetoric of contemporary BSMRSTU student movements: manifestations and social implications in Gopalganj, Bangladesh

BackgroundThe rich tapestry of student politics and movements in Bangladesh is marked by a history of significant contributions to the country's sociopolitical landscape. This study was prompted by a keen interest in exploring the dynamics of contemporary student movements at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University (BSMRSTU), Gopalganj, and their interplay with the broader sociopolitical climate of Bangladesh. A critical examination of these movements reveals a complex web of motivations, strategies, and outcomes that both mirror and influence national sociopolitical dialogues.MethodsEmploying qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews (IDI) with 26 individuals directly affected by the culture and mechanics of these movements, this study uncovers the nuanced ways in which student activism at BSMRSTU mobilizes cultural ideologies toward societal change. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were utilized to select participants, revealing that the rhetoric of movements—framed around justice, rights, equality, and reform—plays a crucial role in recruiting and energizing participants.ResultsHowever, this investigation also highlights a darker facet of these movements: the destructive consequences of specific actions, such as property damage, which not only impact the immediate community but also fuel further unrest. The prevalence of movements centered on themes of injustice underscores the urgent need for both governmental and academic institutions to engage more constructively with student concerns. Addressing this gap requires a nuanced understanding of the motivations behind student movements and a commitment to implementing policies that nurture a culture of dialogue and reform.ConclusionThis study, therefore, problematizes the contemporary student movements at BSMRSTU by questioning the balance between activism and the potential for unintended consequences, urging a reevaluation of how such movements are perceived and managed in the context of Bangladesh's evolving sociopolitical milieu. For harmful movement culture in academia to be prevented, government and university authorities must take student movements seriously and implement policies and strong norms.

Higher Profitability of WheatMungbean-Rice System Through Conservation Agriculture Practice in Sub-Tropical Climate of Bangladesh

Two-Wheel Tractor (2WT) operated plow tillage and crop residue exclusion practices in the rice-wheat system are costly, labor-intensive, soil destructive, and non-ecofriendly. In recent years, pursuits of healthy food production through sustaining the productive capacity of soils, and environmental quality, have raised concerns to adopt Conservation Agriculture (CA) worldwide. Single-Pass Tillage (SPT) combined with herbicides and crop residue retention principles of CA is being developed in Bangladesh. Between 2014 and 2016, we conducted a two-year on-farm experiment under the wheat-mungbean-rice system in Bangladesh. These crops were grown under two crop establishment methods; T1: Plow Tillage (PT) + three times manual weeding by hand, and T2: Pre-plant knockdown herbicide (PRE) + SPT + Pre-emergence herbicide (PE) + Post-emergence herbicide (PO). Treatments were combined with two levels of crop residues, R0: zero residues and R50: 50% anchored residue. The PT was accomplished with two primary tillage operations performed by a 2WT, whereas SPT was completed by a single-pass process using a Versatile Multi-crop Planter machine. The PRE: glyphosate, PE: pendimethalin for all crops, and PO: carfentrazone-ethyl+isoproturon, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, and ethoxysulfuron-ethyl for wheat, mungbean, and rice, respectively, were applied at the prescribed dosage and time. Data reveal that, relative to traditional practice (PT+3HW without residue), the CA practice (PRE + SPT + PE + PO with 50% residue) resulted in 30, 39, and 15% higher yield and 37, 29, and 22% higher economic returns in wheat, mungbean, and rice, respectively. The productivity of the wheat-mungbean-rice system was 41% higher than that of the wheat-rice system.

Climate change projections of maximum temperature in the pre-monsoon season in Bangladesh using statistical downscaling of global climate models

Abstract. The climate of Bangladesh is very likely to be influenced by global climate change. To quantify the influence on the climate of Bangladesh, Global Climate Models were downscaled statistically to produce future climate projections of maximum temperature during the pre-monsoon season (March–May) for the 21st century for Bangladesh. The future climate projections are generated based on three emission scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) provided by the fifth Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. The downscaling process is undertaken by relating the large-scale seasonal mean temperature, taken from the ERA5 reanalysis data set, to the leading principal components of the observed maximum temperature at stations under Bangladesh Meteorological Department in Bangladesh, and applying the relationship to the GCM ensemble. The in-situ temperature data has only recently been digitised, and this is the first time they have been used in statistical downscaling of local climate projections for Bangladesh. This analysis also provides an evaluation of the local data, and the local temperatures in Bangladesh show a close match with the ERA5 reanalysis. Compared to the reference period of 1981–2010, the projected maximum pre-monsoon temperature in Bangladesh indicate an increase by 0.7/0.7/0.7 ∘C in the near future (2021–2050) and 2.2/1.2/0.8 ∘C in the far future (2071–2100) assuming the RCP8.5/RCP4.5/RCP2.6 scenario, respectively.

An investigation on the impact of shading devices on energy consumption of commercial buildings in the contexts of subtropical climate

PurposeApplication of appropriate shading device strategies in buildings can reduce direct solar heat gain through windows as well as optimize cooling and artificial lighting load. This study investigates the impact of common shading devices such as overhangs, fins, horizontal blinds, vertical blinds and drapes on energy consumption of an office building and suggests energy efficient shading device strategies in the contexts of unique Bangladeshi subtropical monsoon climate.Design/methodology/approachThis research was performed through the energy simulation perspective of a prototype office building using a validated building energy simulation tool eQUEST. Around 100 simulation patterns were created considering various types of shading devices and building orientations. The simulation results were analysed comprehensively to find out energy-efficient shading device strategies.FindingsOptimum overhang and fin height is equal to half of the window height in the context of the subtropical climate of Bangladesh. South and West are the most vulnerable orientations, and application of shading devices on these two orientations shows the highest reduction of cooling load and the lowest increment of lighting load. An existing building was able to save approximately 7.05% annual energy consumption by applying the shading device strategies that were suggested by this study.Originality/valueThe shading device strategies of this study can be incorporated into the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) as new energy-efficient building design strategies because the BNBC does not have any codes or regulations regarding energy-efficient shading device. It can also be used as energy-efficient shading device strategies to other Southeast Asian countries with similar climatic contexts of Bangladesh.

Development and performance analysis of a PCM based cooling fan for hot climate of Bangladesh

In hot climatic regions, some kind of cooling system is necessary to avoid warmth and humidity. Many of the available cooling systems are not economic and sustainable. In this study, sustainable and feasible space/room cooling systems have been experimentally analyzed. A solar operated cooling system with two options have been designed and their performances are compared. Phase Change Material (PCM) is proposed to store thermal energy instead of a costly battery. A 1200-watt compressor and fin-type condenser are used to construct the vapor compression system. When the incoming air is passed through the cooling coil, it gets cool. For this cooling coil, 50 feet copper tube is used. The front side copper tube diameter of the fan is 3/8 inch and the backside tube diameter is 1/2 inch. It took about 35 minutes and 5 minutes to minimize the room temperature at the desired level in the case of the stand fan and duct fan, respectively. Furthermore, the stand fan and duct fan systems reduced 3 ℃ and 6 ℃ of the outside temperature, respectively.

Vernacular Architecture of South Asia: Exploring Passive Design Strategies of Traditional Houses in Warm Humid Climate of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka

Vernacular architecture affects traditional house design decisions for different climatic zones. In this study, among South Asian countries, the vernacular practice of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will be observed separately. As they share almost the same climatic conditions, rural parts of these countries build mud houses as their main living domain. In this study, construction techniques, passive design strategies, thermal comfort, etc of mud houses of both countries have been explored. Different methodologies such as site surveys, literature studies, software simulations, etc. have been applied to perceive and improve passive design strategies. Villages from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are chosen to examine rural mud houses. The study of these houses provides insight for designing an energy-efficient rural house having thermally comfortable conditions, as well as leaving behind a very low environmental footprint. The existing realities of the mud house are investigated and a few reforms have been suggested to enhance passive energies and comfort of the occupants.

Adaption of Tensile Architecture in Tropical Monsoon Climate

As Bangladesh laid on Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), built form of this region prefer open type structure. Humidity and temperature always become an issue in this region due to tropical monsoon climate of Bangladesh. The traditional Bengal architecture pattern is followed by these issues of climate. Furthermore, the contemporary architecture of Bangladesh respectively follows these significant characteristics of tropical monsoon climate. On the other side, Tensile Membrane Structure (TMS) has qualities to hold large spans, lightweight, translucency, aesthetic value and flexibility. TMS and traditional hut system of Bengal can be said ascomplementary to each other in this tropical monsoon climate of Bangladesh. Tensile membrane structure can be that element of contemporary architecture which can be adopted in this climate by satisfying all the primary issues of tropical monsoon climate of Bangladesh. Tensile structure can be designed as light weight roof shade which is more similar with “Bengal hut” pattern of Bangladesh. This paper will thoroughly investigate the use and opportunities of tensile architecture which can be applied in rain, wind, heat, daylight issues in architecture of Bangladesh.

Factors affecting the semen quality of breeding bulls

This study aimed to investigate the effects of breed, age, scrotal circumference, Body Condition Score (BCS), season and nutrition on bull semen quality at breeding bull station of Ejab Alliance Limited, Thakurgaon, Bangladesh. A total of 777 ejaculates were collected from 25 bulls (Holstein-Friesian-10; Sahiwal-15). All semen parameters were significantly (P<0.05) higher in Sahiwal bulls than in Holstein-Friesian. The volume, individual motility, mass activity and sperm morphology were significantly (P<0.05) higher in bulls aged >3.5 - 4.5 years than in younger (2.5 - 3.5 years) and older bulls (>4.5 years). Scrotal circumference significantly (P<0.05) affected all the parameters of semen quality. The highest values were observed in bulls with scrotal circumference 31.1 - 33.0 cm and the lowest in bulls with scrotal circumference of 33.1 cm and less. The volume, individual motility, mass activity and sperm morphology were higher (P<0.05) in bulls with BCS of 4 to 4.5 than in bulls with BCS of >4.5 to 5. Significantly (P<0.05) highest values regarding semen quality were in winter and the lowest in summer. Vitamin ADE supplementation significantly (P<0.05) improved the semen quality. It is suggested that Sahiwal breeds may be reared at the bull station in the subtropical climate of Bangladesh. Semen should be collected during winter in bulls of >3.5 to 4.5 years of age with moderate scrotal circumference and BCS.
 The Bangladesh Veterinarian (2018) 35(1&2): 32-39

Investigation of the Phytoconstituents and Antioxidant Activity of <i>Diospyros malabarica</i> Fruit Extracts

Diospyros malabarica (Deshi Gab) belonging to the family “Ebenaceae” grows well in the humid tropical climate of Bangladesh. In order to investigate the phytoconstituents both qualitatively and quantitatively, the seed and flesh extracts of D. malabarica were prepared using two polar solvents (i.e., water and 70% ethanol) and a nonpolar solvent (i.e., hexane). The maximum yield was obtained for aqueous and ethanolic seed extracts indicating that most of the phytoconstituents present in D. malabarica fruit are polar. The qualitative phytochemical analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of diverse amount of phytoconstituents in the extracts. On the other hand, the quantitative phytochemical analysis for phenols, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponin, proteins, reducing sugar and vitamin C revealed that the maximum amount of phenols, tannins, flavonoids and reducing sugar were present in aqueous seed extract. However, the maximum amount of total protein and vitamin C was found in ethanolic seed extract. D. malabarica seed powder contained more amount of alkaloids (i.e., 13.6%) than that of flesh (i.e., 3.4%). However, the content of saponin was more in flesh extract (0.74%) when compared to that of seed extract (0.42%). In vitro antioxidant properties of the extracts were also investigated by DPPH free radical scavenging assay, FRAP assay and reducing power assay. The highest antioxidant activity was observed for aqueous seed extract followed by the ethanolic seed, ethanolic flesh, and aqueous flesh extracts. The lowest antioxidant activity was obtained for hexane flesh extract. Furthermore, the lowest (i.e., 44.70 μg/ml) as well as the highest (2359.66 μg/ml) IC50 values were obtained for aqueous seed and hexane flesh extracts, respectively.

Observed trends in temperature and rainfall in Bangladesh using pre-whitening approach

Abstract Understanding the trend of temperature and rainfall is of prime importance for climate change related research. This research aims to identify the trends of temperature and rainfall for the last 50 years (1966–2015) for Bangladesh. To detect the trends, the non-parametric Mann–Kendall test in combination with a trend-free pre-whitening approach for correcting the time series to eliminate the influence of serial correlation has been used whereas the Sen's slope method is used for identification of the trend value. Maximum, minimum, and mean monthly temperatures have been analyzed to identify the monthly, seasonal and annual trend. Four seasons are distinct in Bangladesh, namely, pre-monsoon, monsoon, post-monsoon and winter. In case of rainfall, mean monthly rainfall, 1-day maximum rainfall and consecutive 3-day maximum rainfall are analyzed in a similar fashion. For maximum, minimum and mean monthly temperature, the majority of the stations show an increasing trend for all three indices. Monsoon season observes highest increasing trend of 0.015 °C/yr for mean monthly temperature whereas the winter season shows the negative trend of −0.002 °C/yr. On an annual basis, the trend is increasing with a value of 0.008 °C/yr or 0.4 °C in 50 years having significance level, p .10. The trend of mean rainfall for annual basis shows an increasing trend of 5.675 mm/yr. The trend in one day and consecutive three-day maximum rainfall depicts that the trend is increasing in few places whereas in other places the trend is decreasing with no significant change. The research concludes that the climate of Bangladesh is getting cooler and drier for winter, on the other hand, warmer and wetter for the rest of the year.

Spatio-temporal analysis of warming in Bangladesh using recent observed temperature data and GIS

This study focused on the annual and seasonal warming at local scale by analysing the trends, anomalies, change points and shifting of isotherm in temperature from 34 meteorological stations distributed over Bangladesh, spanning 40 years from the year 1971–2010. For trends, a linear regression using least square model was applied. Anomalies were calculated as a difference between the reference (1971–2000 mean) and actual occurrence value. Inverse distance weighted interpolation and GIS techniques were used to find out the spatial pattern of warming. Besides, the sequential version of the Mann–Kendall test was applied to detect the changing point of warming. Direction of shifting of warming was detected by the decadal distribution pattern of specific isotherms which were generated using GIS. The result reveals that the climate of Bangladesh undergone a significant warming during the period 1971–2010, 0.020 °C per year (for annual mean) and the maximum temperature warmed more than the minimum temperature (0.022 vs. 0.018 °C per year). On a seasonal basis, hot summer, humid summer and dry winter also show significant warming, 0.022, 0.026 and 0.011 °C per year, respectively. The warming of maximum temperature (0.032 °C per year) in humid summer was greater than other seasons, contributed more on annual warming. Spatial patterns indicate that geographically the warming varied significantly and some places warming exit 2.0 °C and reached up to 3.2 °C. The north western, north eastern, southern and south eastern parts of the country are more susceptible to rising temperature. In 2010, mean annual temperature was 0.84 °C warmer than the base period (1971–2000) mean. The significant warmest period was spread across the year 1995–2010, with 2010 being the warmest year. Statistically significant warming was began in early 1990’s and the years 1990, 1994 and 1997 identified as important abrupt change points of warming. Moreover, a remarkably northward and north eastward warming was identified, denoting the north, north western and north eastern belts of the country are more susceptible to the warming. Praiseworthy of note, Bangladesh is indeed warming strongly and warming pattern is broadly consistent with the existing global warming.

Trend and Variability Analysis and Forecasting of Sunshine-Hour in Bangladesh

An attempt has been taken to investigate the trend and variability pattern for annual and seasonal (Three crop seasons) average sunshine-hours (ASSH) for six divisional stations of Bangladesh: Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Barisal, Sylhet and Chittagong. The monthly ASSH (2008-2011) are forecasted applying the univariate Box-Jenkin’s ARIMA (autoregressive integrated moving average) modelling technique on the basis of the minimum root mean square forecasting error. Several diagnostic techniques are used for detection of outlier and residual’s stationarity and normality. The significant negative rates are observed for linear trend (LT) of Annual and Seasonal Average ASSH in all the six stations with only one minor positive rate for Prekharif season in Khulna. The findings support that the climate of Bangladesh is changing in terms of sunshine-hour which may have tremendous effects in the agricultural production.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v5i2.14802 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 5(2): 109-118 2012

Lentil Relay Cropping in the Rice-Based Cropping System: An Innovative Technology for Lentil Production, Sustainability and Nutritional Security in Changing Climate of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is one of the most populous and poverty affected country in the world. To meet high demand of food against her blooming population, highest emphasis has been given to cereal production, as the population suffers from protein malnutrition. The soil condition is poor in nutrients and water content. However, growing of legumes helps in improving the soil condition and lentil (Lens culinaris) as a food legume has a role in human food, animal feed and sustainable agriculture. Among the pulses, lentil is mainly grown after the harvest of monsoon-rice in the winter season (October-April) in Bangladesh. But in most cases, lentil cultivation, after the monsoon-rice harvesting is delayed in medium high-medium low lands and further aggravated by higher infestation of diseases and insect pests and forced maturity, resulting in lower yields. It was also identified that global climatic changes led to more frequent high temperature during the end of crop cycle. In this perspective, lentil relay in rice field has a great opportunity which ensures timely sowing and best use of residual soil moisture. Various combinations of seed rate, fertilizer application and rice straw height along with different lentil varieties were attempted in the present study. It was observed that lentil varieties, BARI Masur-4, BARI Masur-5 and BARI Masur-7 planted with a rice straw height under 30 cm, at a seed rate of 50 kg/ha and with a fertilizer level at 30-60-30 kg/ha of N-P2O5-K2O produced a lentil seed yield of 2,070 kg/ha. Hence, by inclusion of lentil in the monsoon rice field, lands could be brought under lentil cultivation to enhance lentil production, provide human nutrition and also to ensure soil health improvement for sustainable production system.

Recent trends in the climate of Bangladesh

CR Climate Research Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsSpecials CR 42:185-193 (2010) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/cr00889 Recent trends in the climate of Bangladesh Shamsuddin Shahid* Department of Geology, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia *Email: sshahid_ait@yahoo.com ABSTRACT: Rainfall and temperature data recorded at 17 meteorological stations over the time period 1958–2007 were used to assess recent changes in the climate of Bangladesh. The results show increasing mean, mean maximum and mean minimum temperatures at a rate of 0.103, 0.091 and 0.097°C per decade, respectively. More warming was observed for winter compared to other seasons. Increases in annual and pre-monsoon rainfall were also observed at a rate of 5.53 and 2.47 mm yr–1, respectively. The spatial pattern of rainfall trends shows an increase in annual, monsoon and pre-monsoon rainfall in the western part of Bangladesh. The findings of the present study are consistent with the results obtained in other parts of the Indian subcontinent. KEY WORDS: Climate variability · Trend analysis · GIS · Bangladesh Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Shahid S (2010) Recent trends in the climate of Bangladesh. Clim Res 42:185-193. https://doi.org/10.3354/cr00889 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in CR Vol. 42, No. 3. Online publication date: July 20, 2010 Print ISSN: 0936-577X; Online ISSN: 1616-1572 Copyright © 2010 Inter-Research.

Disentangling the Impact of ENSO and Indian Ocean Variability on the Regional Climate of Bangladesh: Implications for Cholera Risk

Abstract Recent studies arising from both statistical analysis and dynamical disease models indicate that there is a link between the incidence of cholera, a paradigmatic waterborne bacterial illness endemic to Bangladesh, and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Cholera incidence typically increases following boreal winter El Niño events for the period 1973–2001. Observational and model analyses find that Bangladesh summer rainfall is enhanced following winter El Niño events, providing a plausible physical link between El Niño and cholera incidence. However, rainfall and cholera incidence do not increase following every winter El Niño event. Substantial variations in Bangladesh precipitation also occur in simulations in which identical sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies are prescribed in the central and eastern tropical Pacific. Bangladesh summer precipitation is thus not uniquely determined by forcing from the tropical Pacific, with significant implications for predictions of cholera risk. Nonparametric statistical analysis is used to identify regions of SST anomalies associated with variations in Bangladesh rainfall in an ensemble of pacemaker simulations. The authors find that differences in the response of Bangladesh summer precipitation to winter El Niño events are strongly associated with the persistence of warm SST anomalies in the central Pacific. Also there are significant differences in the SST patterns associated with positive and negative Bangladesh rainfall anomalies, indicating that the response is not fully linear. SST anomalies in the Indian Ocean also modulate the influence of the tropical Pacific, with colder Indian Ocean SST tending to enhance Bangladesh precipitation relative to warm Indian Ocean SST for identical conditions in the central and eastern tropical Pacific. This influence is not fully linear. Forecasts of Bangladesh rainfall and cholera risk may thus be improved by considering the Niño-3 and Niño-4 indices separately, rather than the Niño-3.4 index alone. Additional skill may also be gained by incorporating information on the southeast Indian Ocean and by updating the forecast with information on the evolution of the SST anomalies into spring.

Links between Tropical Pacific SST and Cholera Incidence in Bangladesh: Role of the Western Tropical and Central Extratropical Pacific

Abstract Recent studies arising from both statistical analysis and dynamical disease models demonstrate a link between the incidence of cholera, a paradigmatic waterborne bacterial illness endemic to Bangladesh, and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The physical significance of this relationship was investigated by examining links between the regional climate of Bangladesh and western Pacific sea surface temperatures (SST) associated with ENSO using a pacemaker configuration of the Center for Ocean–Land–Atmosphere Studies atmospheric general circulation model. The global SST response to ENSO SST anomalies in the western Pacific alone is found to be relatively weak and unrealistic when compared to observations, indicating that the global response to ENSO is driven primarily by anomalies in the central and eastern tropical Pacific. Despite the weak global response to western Pacific SST anomalies, however, a signal is found in summer rainfall over India and Bangladesh. Specifically, reduced rainfall typically follows winter El Niño events. In the absence of warm SST anomalies in the eastern Pacific, cold anomalies in the western Pacific produce a La Niña–like response in the model circulation. Cold SST anomalies suppress convection over the western Pacific. Large-scale convergence shifts into the eastern Indian Ocean and modifies the summer monsoon circulation over India and Bangladesh. The probabilistic relationship between Bangladesh rainfall and SST is also explored using a nonparametric statistical technique. Decreased rainfall is strongly associated with cold SST in the western Pacific, while associations between SST and enhanced rainfall are substantially weaker. Also found are strong associations between rainfall and SST in the Indian Ocean in the absence of differences in forcing from the western Pacific. It thus appears that the Indian Ocean may represent an independent source of predictability for the monsoon and cholera risk. Likewise, under certain circumstances, the western Pacific may also exert a significant influence on Bangladesh rainfall and cholera risk.

Links between Tropical Pacific SST and Cholera Incidence in Bangladesh: Role of the Eastern and Central Tropical Pacific

AbstractRecent studies arising from both statistical analysis and dynamical disease models indicate that there is a link between incidence of cholera, a paradigmatic waterborne bacterial disease (WBD) endemic to Bangladesh, and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). However, a physical mechanism explaining this relationship has not yet been established. A regionally coupled, or “pacemaker,” configuration of the Center for Ocean–Land–Atmosphere Studies atmospheric general circulation model is used to investigate links between sea surface temperature in the central and eastern tropical Pacific and the regional climate of Bangladesh. It is found that enhanced precipitation tends to follow winter El Niño events in both the model and observations, providing a plausible physical mechanism by which ENSO could influence cholera in Bangladesh.The enhanced precipitation in the model arises from a modification of the summer monsoon circulation over India and Bangladesh. Westerly wind anomalies over land to the west of Bangladesh lead to increased convergence in the zonal wind field and hence increased moisture convergence and rainfall. This change in circulation results from the tropics-wide warming in the model following a winter El Niño event. These results suggest that improved forecasting of cholera incidence may be possible through the use of climate predictions.

Links between tropical Pacific SST and cholera incidence in Bangladesh: Role of the eastern and central tropical Pacific

Recent studies arising from both statistical analysis and dynamical disease models indicate that there is a link between incidence of cholera, a paradigmatic waterborne bacterial disease (WBD) endemic to Bangladesh, and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). However, a physical mechanism explaining this relationship has not yet been established. A regionally coupled, or “pacemaker,” configuration of the Center for Ocean–Land–Atmosphere Studies atmospheric general circulation model is used to investigate links between sea surface temperature in the central and eastern tropical Pacific and the regional climate of Bangladesh. It is found that enhanced precipitation tends to follow winter El Niño events in both the model and observations, providing a plausible physical mechanism by which ENSO could influence cholera in Bangladesh. The enhanced precipitation in the model arises from a modification of the summer monsoon circulation over India and Bangladesh. Westerly wind anomalies over land to the west of Bangladesh lead to increased convergence in the zonal wind field and hence increased moisture convergence and rainfall. This change in circulation results from the tropics-wide warming in the model following a winter El Niño event. These results suggest that improved forecasting of cholera incidence may be possible through the use of climate predictions.

Climatic classification of Bangladesh

Using climatological data for 27 years of 16 stations an attempt has been made to classify the climate of Bangladesh by the method of Ivanov (1941. 1956 & 1958). Selianinov (1966). Gorsinkii and Shever (1976). By Ivanov's method it has been established that there are three climatic zones in Bangladesh (i) zone with simple humid climate- western bordering districts of Bangladesh; (ii) zone with sufficient humid climate -areas of Bangladesh mainly to the west of 90. E and (iii) zone with super humid climate areas or Bangladesh mainly to the east of 90"E. Almost analogous climatic zones have been obtained by Selianinov's method. By Gorsinkii's method. it has been shown that there are three climatic zones in Bangladesh' (i) quasi-maritime climate -southeastern and northeastern hilly areas; (ii} climate of the plain land- the central belt of the country. and (iii) quasi-continental clill1ate -western bordering districts. By Shevers method it has been shown that there is only sharp continental type of climate in Bangladesh.
 

Entomological Problems of Agriculture in Bangladesh

Abstract The location and climate of Bangladesh are described, together with the crops grown and organisations related to agriculture. The entomological problems of the main crops; rice, jute, sugarcane, and fruit crops such as mango, citrus, litchi, jack fruit, guava, banana, coconut and plum are presented. Some serious pests; aphids, epilachna beetles, ants, fruit flies, termites, cutworm and mealybugs are reviewed.