Dhaka: Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam today emphasized the importance of launching Bangladesh’s own satellite to enhance national security, defence capabilities, and disaster management through the use of space research and remote sensing technologies. During his visit to the Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO) in Agargaon, he urged officials to take necessary steps to launch a national satellite and bolster SPARRSO’s involvement in border surveillance, strategic mapping, and geospatial intelligence.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Shamsul Islam highlighted the integral role of space research and remote sensing technologies in modern technological advancement and defence systems. He advocated for broader and more effective applications of these technologies to safeguard national interests. The Defence Adviser stressed the importance of making SPARRSO-generated satellite data and research outputs more accessible to the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force for operational and research purposes.
He further emphasized the need for technological advancement, advocating for the integration of advanced satellite image-processing systems, artificial intelligence (AI), and modern remote sensing technologies to enhance SPARRSO’s technical capabilities and human resources. Acknowledging Bangladesh’s vulnerability to natural disasters, Dr Shamsul Islam instructed authorities to utilize remote sensing technologies for early warning, monitoring, and damage assessment of cyclones, floods, and droughts.
Additionally, he urged SPARRSO to actively contribute to national food security by providing accurate satellite-based information on crop conditions, soil moisture, forests, and water resources. The Defence Adviser also directed the organization to ensure timely sharing of relevant data and research findings with ministries and government agencies to support evidence-based policymaking and development planning.
Dr Shamsul Islam called for the transformation of SPARRSO into a modern, self-reliant, and internationally competitive institution capable of directly contributing to national security and sustainable development. During his visit, he toured various divisions of SPARRSO and was briefed on the organization’s research activities, innovations, and ongoing projects. On his arrival, he was welcomed by Defence Secretary Md Ashraf Uddin and SPARRSO Chairman (Additional Secretary) Md Rashidul Islam, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and SPARRSO.