The year 1994 was the 23rd year after the independence of Bangladesh. It was the fourth year of the first term of the government of Khaleda Zia. The year was characterized by the continuous boycott of parliament by the opposition parties over the demand of a neutral Caretaker Government to oversee future elections.[1]
Source: Climatic Research Unit (CRU) of University of East Anglia (UEA)[3]
Cyclone
A cyclone with a velocity of 210 kilometres (130 mi) per hour struck the coastal area of Cox's Bazar on 2 May causing extensive damage to the districts of Cox's Bazar and Bandarban. As a result of the early warning and subsequent evacuation of about 450,000 people, the loss of life was minimal. According to official estimates 133 (including 84 refugees) died and 3,559 were injured.[4]
Note: For the year 1994 average official exchange rate for BDT was 40.21 per US$.
Events
20 March – BNP won the by-polls to Magura-2 parliamentary constituency, which had fallen vacant following the Awami League MP's death; but the victory was tainted with allegation of widespread rigging – which eventually strengthened the oppositions claim for a Caretaker Government to oversee future elections.[5]
Bangladesh participated in the 1994 Asian Games which were held from 2 to 16 October 1994 in Hiroshima, Japan. Bangladesh national kabaddi team won the only silver medal for the country in their event in the tournament. The other noticeable achievement in the tournament was that Bangladesh ranked 7th in the field hockey.[9]