State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak said, standing on the ruins of war, setting up the first geo-satellite station in independent Bangladesh at Betbunia is a shining example of the visionary leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The modern form of Bangabandhu’s dream of Sonar Bangla is constantly being developed by his worthy successor Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. On June 14, 1975, Bangabandhu established the geo-satellite center; while on May 12, 2018, Bangladesh’s own satellite Bangabandhu Satellite-1 was successfully launched under the leadership of Sajeeb Wazed Joy, a grandson of Bangabandhu.
The Minister of State expressed his expressions while exchanging views during the visit to Betbuniya geo-satellite center and Sajeeb Wazed satellite geo-center Betbunya alternative control center set up for Bangabandhu Satellite 1 on Friday.
Stating that he was very proud to visit Bangabandhu’s memorial geo-satellite center and Sajeeb Wazed satellite geo-center Betbunia control center, the Minister of State for Posts and Telecommunications highlighted the historical significance of Geo-satellite center at Betbunia in establishing information communication technology connectivity in the global environment. Zunaid Ahmed Palak expressed his firm commitment to work as a soldier dedicated to the implementation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Vision 2041 in building Smart Bangladesh.
The state minister said that on June 14, the 49th anniversary of the inauguration of Betbunia Geo-satellite Center will be completed. The contribution of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Architect of Digital Bangladesh Sajeeb Wazed Joy ‘from Mujib to Sajib’ in the progress of modern information technology will be forever indelible.
Zunaid Ahmed Palak said, this geo-satellite center which is full of memories of Bangabandhu is gaining importance again and is getting known in the country and abroad. The Betbunya center has been linked to US satellites since its inception. Exchange of telephone data communication, fax, telex etc. was started with 11 countries through this center. Until 2018, the exchange of messages or information has been carried out with powerful antennas through artificial satellites located at about 35 thousand 900 km in the sky. However, after the launch of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 into space, the effectiveness of this center increased.
The contribution of this center was immense in the formation of post-independence war-torn Bangladesh. When Maradona’s game in World Cup football in the eighties and Muhammad Ali’s boxing, were shown to the whole of Bangladesh through this center. Even all the programs outside were broadcasted through it.
The state minister visited the Betbunia Geospatial Center and the ‘Sajeeb Wazed Satellite Geocenter Betbunia Alternative Control Center’ set up for the Bangabandhu-1 satellite.
Later Zunaid Ahmed Palak visited Rangamati Head Post Office and BTCL office.
