‘Bangabandhu satellite-2 to be launched in time’  

Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar has said the proposed Bangabandhu Satellite-2 would be launched in time.

“All preparations have been completed to launch Bangabandhu Satellite-2 into space within the stipulated time under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” he said.

The minister said this while addressing a discussion at a city’s hotel on Thursday night, reports UNB citing a PID handout on Friday.

Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) arranged the function on the occasion of the second anniversary of the broadcasting of the country’s private satellite television channels through Bangabandhu Satellite-1.

Mustafa said the Posts and Telecommunications Division started works to send the Bangabandhu Satellite-2 into space, introduce 5G network and install third submarine cable connectivity in a bid to implement the pledges made in the election manifesto.

He expressed hope that the works would be completed within the stipulated time.

The minister said Bangladesh became the 57th country that launched the first satellite by sending Bangabandhu satellite-1 to space.

He said 2021 is the final year of the country’s transformation into Digital Bangladesh as per the pledge made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on December 12, 2008.

He said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman sowed the seeds of Digital Bangladesh, by setting up a ground satellite centre at Betbunia, acquiring the ITU and IPU membership, establishing T&T Board and introducing technology-based education.

Mustafa said the prime minister provided licenses to four mobile operator companies breaking monopoly business in this sector, withdrew VAT and tax on computers, introduced the internet through VSAT, and has been working to establish Bangladesh as a software export country. “Everyone is proud to be able to use their country’s satellite,” he said.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud also spoke at the function as the chief guest, while PM’s Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus as the special guest.

Posts and Telecommunications Secretary Afzal Hossain, President of Association of Television Channel Owners (ATCO) Anjan Chowdhury were virtually present at the event presided over by BSCL chairman Dr Shahjahan Mahmood.