Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today expressed her firm conviction that Bangabandhu Satellite-1 would play a pivotal role in overall development of the country, opening up new opportunities for the learners of new generation. “Through the satellite we would be able to know the whole world and our children would be able to learn about space and nuclear technology, marine science and other areas of science, culture and nature which would be useful for them as well as country’s development,” she said.
The PM was addressing a function in Dhaka today at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre organized for celebrating successful launching of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 and inauguration of its ground stations at Gazipur and Betbunia, local media reports said.
Sheikh Hasina said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had laid the foundation stone of the country’s first satellite station at Betbunia in Rangamati. But after his brutal death the space technology didn’t get due importance to flourish.
Bangladesh has emerged as the 57th country having Satellite in the space and 34th nation of constructing nuclear power plant, the PM said, adding that “we have to hold up the dignity and take the country forward.”
The premier said her government has attached importance to development of the entire country. The government is striving to create a democratic atmosphere and ensure the rights of the people to food and franchise, she added.
Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu, PM’s advisor on ICT affairs Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed, state minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak attended the function as special guests with post, telecommunications and ICT minister Mustafa Jabbar in the chair. Secretary of the post, telecommunication ministry Shyam Sundar Sikder and Chairman of Bangladesh Communication Satellite Company Ltd. Dr Shajahan Mahmud also spoke on the occasion.
Cabinet members, PM’s advisors, chiefs of naval and air forces, parliament members, diplomats of different countries and civil and military officials attended the function.
The PM inaugurated the two ground stations for Bangabandhu Satellite-1 through video conferencing with the officials of the Gazipur and Rangamati districts and engineers of the stations. She also released commemorative stamps issued by the postal department on the occasion.
The ground stations were named after PM’s ICT advisor Sajeeb Wazed in recognition of his contribution to successful launching of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 and development of space and digital technology in Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina said her government after assuming office in 1996 had taken steps to provide modern education on computer technology to the people. Now about nine crore people use internet while 13 crore mobile SIMs are being used in the country.
She said information technology is being used for ‘learning and earning’ and many unemployed rural youths have found their employment opportunities in the IT sector. Government services were made available for people from 5,275 digital centres across the country.
She urged everybody to help continue the ongoing development of the country and execution of the more plans of the government in the socioeconomic areas for further advancement of the nation.
