The International Centre for Ocean Governance (ICOG) of the University of Dhaka, in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Bangladesh and the Department of Oceanography, University of Dhaka, was organized a specialized training programme titled “Training on Reinforcing Technical Capacity of Water Level Data Collection, Processing and Analysis for Climate Hazard Management in the Bangladeshi Delta.” The inaugural ceremony of the training program was held on August 17, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at the Department of Oceanography, University of Dhaka. The programme aims to strengthen technical capacity in water-level observation, data processing and analysis and contribute to the development of a coordinated and integrated coastal sea-level monitoring network in Bangladesh.
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of Dhaka University Prof. Dr. Abdus Salam attended the opening ceremony as the Chief Guest. Dr. K M Azam Chowdhury, Director of ICOG, presided over the inaugural ceremony. The event was attended by Dr. Md. Kawser Ahmed, Special Guest from the Department of Oceanography; Dr. Tonia Astrid Capuano, Visiting Scientist from France; international experts and trainers; representatives of partner institutions; and participants from various national institutions.
The training programme is being conducted in two phases: Phase I from August 17–20, 2026, and Phase II from August 31–September 3, 2026. The programme covers satellite altimetry, coastal water-level variability and dynamics, extreme water-level events, associated hazards and risks, the application of SWOT observations in Bangladesh, and practical hands-on analysis of sea-level and tide-gauge data. Participants are also receiving practical training on water-level observation, data processing, data analysis and other technical aspects of coastal sea-level monitoring.
In his remarks, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Dr. Abdus Salam emphasized the fundamental importance of reliable water-level observations and strong technical capacity for addressing climate hazards in Bangladesh, highlighting the potential of GNSS-IR technology to strengthen water-level monitoring and the importance of translating observations into knowledge and effective action. He also congratulated Dr. K. M. Azam Chowdhury and ICOG for organizing the initiative and acknowledged the support of the Embassy of France in Bangladesh.
In his welcome address, Dr. K. M. Azam Chowdhury highlighted the importance of strengthening Bangladesh’s capacity for reliable water-level observation, data processing and analysis in addressing coastal flooding, tidal variation, storm surges, sea-level changes and other climate-related hazards. He also emphasized the need to expand water-level monitoring infrastructure and develop skilled professionals capable of transforming observations into useful information for research, planning and climate hazard management.
The programme brings together around 60 professionals from leading national institutions, including the Institute of Water Modelling (IWM); Bangladesh Institute of Maritime Research and Development (BIMRAD); Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA); Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI); Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB); Bangladesh Coast Guard; Chattogram Port Authority; Payra Port Authority; Mongla Port Authority; River Research Institute; Survey of Bangladesh; and Bangladesh Navy. Academic and research institutions include the University of Dhaka; University of Chittagong; Institute of Water and Flood Management of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (IWFM, BUET); Bangladesh Maritime University; and National Oceanographic and Maritime Institute (NOAMI).
The technical training features contributions from international experts, including Dr. Jo C. Grall, CNRS Researcher at La Rochelle University, France; Dr. Laurent Testut, Physicist and Scientific Head of the SONEL Network; Ms. Nushrat Yeasmin, Doctoral Candidate at La Rochelle University, France; and Dr. Jamal Khan, Researcher at IRD, France. The experts will be providing specialized training on satellite altimetry, coastal water-level variability and dynamics, extreme water-level events, water-level data processing and analysis, and practical applications related to coastal sea-level monitoring.
The initiative further strengthens scientific and technical collaboration between Bangladesh and France and promotes the application of modern observation technologies for climate hazard management and coastal resilience. The knowledge and practical skills developed through the programme are expected to support future research, improved monitoring and more effective management of climate-related hazards in Bangladesh.
The organizers express their appreciation to the Embassy of France in Bangladesh for its support, and the international experts and trainers for their technical contributions, and all participating institutions and professionals.
