The year 1997 was the 26th year after the independence of Bangladesh. It was also the second year of the first term of the Government of Sheikh Hasina.

Incumbents

Demography

Climate

Cyclone

A powerful cyclone caused widespread damage and loss of life throughout Bangladesh in May. Originating from a near-equatorial trough on 15 May 1997, the cyclone tracked in a general northward direction throughout its existence. The system gradually intensified over the following days, reaching the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale by 17 May. The following day, the storm attained its peak intensity with winds of 215 km/h (135 mph) according to the JTWC and 165 km/h (105 mph) according to the IMD along with a barometric pressure of 964 mbar (hPa; 28.47 inHg). On 19 May, the cyclone made landfall near Chittagong, Bangladesh before rapidly dissipating the next day.

Economy

Note: For the year 1997 average official exchange rate for BDT was 43.89 per US$.

Events

Awards and Recognitions

Independence Day Award

Ekushey Padak

Sports

Births

Deaths