PM pays surprise visit to SPARRSO, calls for modern, self-reliant space research agency

Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid an unannounced visit to the headquarters of the Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO) on June 28, directing officials to transform the agency into a modern, self-reliant institution capable of making effective contributions to national security and development.

According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the premier arrived at SPARRSO's headquarters in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Agargaon, at 9:15 am, outside his pre-scheduled engagements.

During the visit, Prime Minister Tarique toured the offices of SPARRSO, an organization under the Ministry of Defense, and exchanged views with its officials and employees.

SPARRSO Chairman Md. Rashidul Islam briefed the prime minister on the organization's overall activities and ongoing programs. Officials from different divisions also presented their innovations, research initiatives, and current projects.

The prime minister instructed the authorities concerned to develop SPARRSO into a modern and future-ready space research institution that is self-reliant and capable of playing a meaningful role in advancing Bangladesh's national security and socio-economic development, the PMO said.

Those present during the visit included the Prime Minister's Defense Adviser Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Dr. AKM Shamsul Islam, Defense Secretary Md Ashraf Uddin, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, Private Secretary-2 Md Mehedul Islam, Deputy Press Secretary-1 Zahidul Islam Rony, and senior officials of the Ministry of Defense and SPARRSO.

SPARRSO is Bangladesh's national agency responsible for research, development, and applications in space science, satellite technology, and remote sensing.