Thirty-five years after the devastating super cyclone of April 29, 1991 struck Bangladesh's southeastern coast, survivors, families of victims and disaster experts are once again calling for stronger long-term protection for vulnerable coastal communities facing rising climate risks.
The cyclone remains one of the deadliest tropical storms in recorded history. It made landfall near Chattogram with winds of around 240-250 kilometres per hour, followed by a storm surge of up to 20 feet that inundated vast coastal areas within hours, sweeping away villages and infrastructure.
Official estimates put the death toll at more than 139,000, though many believe the real number was significantly higher. Millions were displaced, and entire settlements were erased from the map.
For survivors, the memory has not faded. In Cox's Bazar, Abul Kashem Azad recalls how his elder sister helped him reach higher ground before being swept away by floodwaters. Across the coastal belt, similar stories continue to surface each year, especially during the pre-monsoon season when cyclone warnings revive old fears.
Experts say the psychological impact of such disasters often lasts decades, particularly in communities repeatedly exposed to storms, displacement and loss. For many families, the 1991 cyclone is not history but lived memory.
To mark the anniversary, NGOs, cultural groups and local organisations across Chattogram and other coastal districts are holding prayer gatherings, remembrance meetings, photo exhibitions, rallies, candlelight vigils and food distribution programmes for the poor.
The anniversary has also renewed calls for a modern and comprehensive cyclone management strategy. Civil society groups are urging stronger coastal embankments, better-maintained cyclone shelters, improved protection for inland low-lying areas, and more efficient evacuation systems as storm risks intensify.
Since 1991, Bangladesh has significantly improved its disaster preparedness system through expanded cyclone shelters, advanced forecasting, volunteer-based warning networks and community evacuation planning. Coastal afforestation has also helped reduce storm impact.
These measures have sharply reduced fatalities in later cyclones, earning Bangladesh global recognition for disaster management.
However, climate specialists warn that rising sea temperatures are producing stronger and more unpredictable storms, which could strain existing infrastructure.
Urban planners argue that future preparedness must focus on climate-resilient infrastructure, safer public buildings, stronger embankments, modern rescue systems and long-term rehabilitation for displaced communities.
More than a historical tragedy, the 1991 cyclone continues to serve as a reminder of both vulnerability and resilience - its legacy preserved in memorials, photographs and the enduring memories of coastal families.
