Minister calls for expanded digital tech and research collaboration in meeting with French ambassador
Bangladesh Seeks French Cooperation on Earth Observation Satellite
Bangladesh's Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and Science and Technology, Fakir Mahbub Anam, has emphasized expanding cooperation with France in digital technology, telecommunications, science, research, and skilled human resource development. In a meeting with the French ambassador to Bangladesh, he expressed interest in French cooperation on establishing an earth observation satellite.
To further strengthen the long-standing friendly relations between Bangladesh and France, Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and Science and Technology, Fakir Mahbub Anam, has emphasized expanding mutual cooperation in digital technology, telecommunications, science, research, innovation, and skilled human resource development.
He made the remarks on Monday, July 13, during a courtesy call at the Bangladesh Secretariat by the French Ambassador to Bangladesh, Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet.
Secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Division Bilquis Jahan Rimi, Airbus's chief representative in Bangladesh Rafael Gomez, and relevant officials from the Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) were also present at this meeting.
The minister said an earth observation satellite could play a highly significant role in disaster management, agriculture, land management, and environmental conservation. He noted that, considering the country's needs, the government is currently assessing the feasibility of establishing an earth observation satellite and is placing special emphasis on international cooperation in this area.
Fakir Mahbub Anam said, "France has extensive experience in satellite technology. We hope that exchanging knowledge, technology, and expertise will open new avenues of cooperation between our two countries."
French Ambassador Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet said France is ready to cooperate on Bangladesh's earth observation satellite project through feasibility studies, technology transfer, training, and capacity building. He said earth observation satellites can play an effective role in various important sectors, including agriculture, disaster management, land and urban planning, border security, and maritime surveillance.
The ambassador further said France is also interested in conducting joint research with Bangladeshi universities and developing skilled human resources to ensure maximum utilization of this technology.
During the meeting, both sides expressed hope of further expanding existing cooperation between Bangladesh and France and elevating their future science- and technology-based partnership to new heights.
//DBTech/ZU/SMI//
