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.

On 19 May, the cyclone made landfall near Chittagong, Bangladesh before rapidly dissipating the next day.

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