NASA Congratulates Bangladesh on Joining Artemis Accords, Applauds Youth Innovators

The United States’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has extended its congratulations to Bangladesh for signing the Artemis Accords—an important international framework promoting peaceful cooperation in space exploration.

The Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) has welcomed this recognition, describing it as a testament to the outstanding contributions of Bangladeshi youth and innovators on the global stage. In a statement released today, BASIS highlighted the country's growing presence in space-related innovation, fueled by a decade of grassroots efforts.

In a special email on behalf of NASA Acting Administrator Janet Petro, Allison James of NASA’s Global Community Management Team for the Space Apps Challenge commended Bangladesh's achievements. “The young minds of Bangladesh have shown the world their passion for space exploration," she wrote. “In four of the last six years, Bangladeshi innovators have been global champions in NASA’s Space Apps Challenge… I have no doubt we will continue to see extraordinary scientists, engineers, and even future astronauts emerge from Bangladesh.”

BASIS has been organizing the NASA Space Apps Challenge in Bangladesh for 11 consecutive years. The association has invested significantly in nurturing youth engagement in science and innovation—providing funding, arranging venues nationwide, and even supporting travel for winning teams to attend global events.

Thanks to these sustained efforts, Bangladesh has secured top honors in the competition on four occasions, including three years in a row. In 2018, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology’s “Team Olik” won the “Best Use of Data” category with a lunar VR project. “Team Mohakash” from KUET and BAUET earned the “Best Mission Concept” award in 2021, followed by “Team Diamonds” in 2022 for “Most Inspirational.” Most recently, “Team Voyagers” took home the “Best Storytelling” prize in 2023.

Reflecting on this success, Rafel Kabir, Chairman of the BASIS Associate Committee, said, “When we see one of our own at NASA raising the flag of Bangladesh, it fills us with pride.” He added, “This competition opens a gateway for our youth to explore science and technology with creativity and confidence. Initiatives like this ignite their ambition to become future scientists.”

BASIS believes that Bangladesh’s increasing engagement in space research and innovation will continue to inspire the next generation to break boundaries and thrive on the world stage. NASA’s message of recognition, the organization says, is both a proud milestone and a motivating force for the nation's youth.