Bangladesh inaugurated its first commercial satellite ground station in Gazipur this week, a move aimed at strengthening national communication infrastructure and reducing dependence on foreign operators. The station will directly communicate with Bangabandhu-1, Bangladesh’s first satellite launched in 2018. Previously, most satellite communication operations were routed through overseas stations, costing millions annually.
With the new facility, Bangladesh can now control and monitor satellite data, enable real-time broadcasting, enhance internet coverage in remote areas, and provide critical communication during disasters.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) said the project would also create jobs in the fields of data science, space engineering, and cybersecurity. International partners, including companies from France and Japan, have supported the initiative. Regional observers note that this marks a significant leap for Bangladesh’s IT and telecommunications sectors, putting the country on track to become a digital hub in South Asia.
