PM makes surprise visit to SPARRSO, urges modernisation of Bangladesh's space research

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday made a surprise visit to the Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organisation (SPARRSO), directing officials to transform the agency into a modern, self-reliant institution capable of playing a greater role in the country's space research and technological development.

The prime minister arrived at SPARRSO headquarters in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Agargaon, at around 9:15am, making the unscheduled visit outside his official programme.

During the inspection, he toured the headquarters of the Ministry of Defence-run organisation and visited its various departments. He also held an impromptu discussion with SPARRSO officials and employees to learn about the agency's ongoing activities, achievements and challenges in advancing space research.

SPARRSO Chairman Md Rashidul Islam briefed the prime minister on the organisation's overall operations, accomplishments and future plans. Officials from different divisions also presented their research, innovations and ongoing projects in space science, satellite technology and remote sensing.

The prime minister instructed officials to strengthen SPARRSO into a technologically advanced, future-ready institution capable of supporting Bangladesh's development priorities and national security.

He stressed the need to expand the country's capabilities in space research, satellite technology and remote sensing to meet emerging national demands.

Among those accompanying the prime minister were Defence Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Defence Secretary Md Ashraf Uddin, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, Private Secretary-2 Md Mehedul Islam, Deputy Press Secretary-1 Zahidul Islam Rony, as well as senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and SPARRSO.

SPARRSO is Bangladesh's national space agency, responsible for promoting space research and applying space science, satellite technology and remote sensing in areas such as national planning, disaster management, agriculture, environmental monitoring and other strategic sectors.