Bangladesh Expanding Investment in Space, Satellite and Drone Technologies
Faqir Mahbub Anam, Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, Information Technology and Science, has said the government has undertaken multidimensional initiatives to advance Bangladesh’s space, satellite, and drone technologies.
He made the remarks on Monday, May 18, while addressing a seminar titled “Satellite, Drones and Future Space Technology in Bangladesh” as chief guest at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh auditorium in Ramna.
The minister said that in the era of technology-driven development, satellite, drone, and space technologies are no longer luxuries; rather, they have become critical infrastructure for national development, disaster management, agriculture, fisheries, communications, and security sectors.
He noted that Bangladesh became the world’s 57th country to operate its own satellite after launching Bangladesh-1 in 2018. According to him, the satellite is not only operating successfully but has already generated profits of approximately BDT 383.5 million, demonstrating the country’s growing space capabilities.
The minister further said satellite technology can play a vital role in disaster forecasting, river erosion monitoring, increasing agricultural productivity, ensuring coastal security, and protecting fishermen in deep-sea areas. He added that the government has already taken initiatives to quickly deliver cyclone and severe weather warnings to fishermen.
Highlighting the importance of drone technology, he said drones are no longer limited to photography or entertainment. They are now being effectively used for border security, agricultural management, survey operations, and disaster response.
He also revealed that the government is working on plans to deploy future Low Earth Orbit (LEO)-based satellites to collect more accurate and effective data. At the same time, he called for coordinated initiatives among universities, research institutions, and technology stakeholders to enhance the use of space data and applications.
The seminar was chaired by Shaheen Howlader. Special guests included Bilkis Jahan Rimi, Rezaul Islam Rezu, Khan Monjur Morshed, and Sheikh Al Amin.
Experts attending the seminar emphasized the potential of Bangladesh’s space technology sector, the importance of AI-based data analysis, and the involvement of young engineers in technological innovation.
DBTech/JDS/EK/OR
