Ocean Satellite Ground Station Nears Completion at University of Chittagong
Bangladesh is on the brink of a major scientific leap as the country’s first Ocean Satellite Ground Station, under construction at the University of Chittagong, is now 70 percent complete. The initiative is expected to significantly boost the country’s capacity to forecast natural disasters, including cyclones and tidal surges.
According to project officials, the construction work is progressing rapidly, with plastering underway. The station is already equipped with a data storage capacity of 224 terabytes, and technical components from China have arrived on-site. Once operational, the station will be connected to approximately 11 satellites.
Professor Dr. Yahya Akhter, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chittagong, stated, “The construction of the Ocean Satellite Ground Station on our campus is progressing as expected. Fourteen trucks carrying materials for the second phase have arrived from the port to the campus. Installation will begin soon. Chinese engineers are maintaining regular communication with university authorities.”
Dr. Mohammad Moslem Uddin, project coordinator and professor at the Department of Oceanography at the University of Chittagong, explained, “The Satellite Ground Station for Marine Remote Sensing (SGSMRS) will bring revolutionary improvements to Bangladesh’s cyclone and tidal surge forecasting systems. By using China's HY-1SI/D and FY-4B satellites, it will analyze sea surface temperatures, wind speeds, and cloud movements, enabling early warnings 48 to 72 hours in advance.” He added that once operational, the new technology will facilitate the delivery of real-time data, forecasts, warnings, and advisories to maritime and aviation sectors, as well as other stakeholders. It will also support the implementation of the Delta Plan and contribute to international climate change reporting.
The project was officially inaugurated on March 26 this year, with an estimated cost of approximately BDT 700 million. Of this, nearly BDT 600 million in technical and mechanical support is being provided by the Second Institute of Oceanography under China’s National Marine Research framework. The station is being developed as a joint initiative between the University of Chittagong and the Chinese institute.
According to sources, a long-term “SGSMRS 2035 Master Plan” is being drafted with the aim of transforming Bangladesh into South Asia’s leading marine data hub. The initiative seeks to position Bangladesh as a model for climate adaptation while aligning with China’s Belt and Road Initiative and supporting the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Currently, Bangladesh relies heavily on satellite data from international agencies such as the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for cyclone and tidal surge forecasting. Analyzing data from these sources typically requires 20 to 30 hours, making the process not only time-consuming but also dependent on external support.
The establishment of the Ocean Satellite Ground Station marks a decisive step toward self-reliance and scientific advancement in Bangladesh’s disaster management and climate resilience efforts.
