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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday directed the authorities concerned to transform the Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO) into a modern, self-reliant and future-ready institution capable of making greater contributions to national security, scientific research and sustainable development.
The directive came during the Prime Minister’s surprise visit to SPARRSO headquarters at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital, where he reviewed the organisation’s activities and ongoing research programmes, according to Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony.
Tarique Rahman arrived at the SPARRSO office at around 9:15 am and toured its various departments, becoming the first head of government in recent years to make an unannounced inspection of the country’s premier space research agency.
During the visit, the Prime Minister interacted with scientists, researchers, engineers and employees, inquiring about their work, ongoing projects and future plans. He also observed different research facilities and received firsthand information on the organisation’s technological capabilities and operational challenges.
Emphasising the growing importance of space science and satellite technology in the modern world, Tarique Rahman instructed the authorities to strengthen SPARRSO’s research capacity and develop it into a world-class institution equipped with advanced technologies and skilled human resources.
He said Bangladesh should enhance its own capabilities in space research, satellite applications and remote sensing so that the organisation can play a more effective role in disaster management, agriculture, environmental monitoring, urban planning, climate resilience and national security.
The Prime Minister also stressed the need to make SPARRSO a self-reliant institution capable of contributing to the country’s scientific and technological advancement while supporting the government’s vision of building a knowledge-based, technology-driven economy.
During the visit, SPARRSO Chairman Md Rashedul Islam briefed the Prime Minister on the organisation’s overall activities, ongoing research, future programmes and institutional development initiatives.
Officials from different departments showcased their latest innovations, research findings and applications of satellite and remote sensing technologies in various sectors, including weather forecasting, natural resource management and environmental monitoring.
Senior officials accompanying the Prime Minister included Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Defence Secretary Md Ashraf Uddin, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, Private Secretary-2 Md Mehedul Islam, Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony and senior officials of the Ministry of Defence and SPARRSO.
SPARRSO is Bangladesh’s national space research agency, responsible for research, development and the application of space science, satellite technology and remote sensing. The organisation supports a wide range of national activities, including disaster risk reduction, resource mapping, weather observation, environmental protection and scientific research, and is expected to play an increasingly important role as Bangladesh expands its use of space-based technologies.
