File Photo

SANGSAD BHABAN, April 29, 2026 (BSS) – The Jatiya Sangsad today offered doa and munajat for the victims, marking the 35th anniversary of the devastating cyclone that struck Bangladesh’s coastal districts on this day in 1991.

The doa and munajat were held at the Jatiya Sangsad here, following a request by Chief Whip Nurul Islam, in remembrance of the tragic incident, with Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal in the chair.

Seeking eternal peace for the departed souls, Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad administered the doa and munajat.

Known officially as Cyclone 02B, or colloquially as “Gorky” or “Marian”, the storm is recognized as one of the deadliest tropical cyclones in history, with an estimated death toll of over 139,000 to 140,000 people.

As many as 100,000 livestock died, while around 5 million people were rendered homeless as it battered the coastal districts.

Winds reaching nearly 225 kph and a 6.1-metre tidal surge lashed the coastline and offshore islands of Chattogram, Chakoria and Cox’s Bazar.

In the aftermath of the catastrophic damage, the United States and other countries carried out Operation Sea Angel, one of the largest military relief efforts in world history.

The devastation caused by the 1991 cyclone prompted Bangladesh to significantly upgrade its disaster preparedness, warning systems, and the construction of cyclone shelters.