France Offers Support for Bangladesh’s Earth Observation Satellite Project

France has expressed interest in supporting Bangladesh's Earth Observation Satellite programme through feasibility studies, technology transfer, training, and capacity-building initiatives.

The offer was made on Monday during a meeting at the Secretariat between Bangladesh's Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications, Information Technology, and Science and Technology, Fakir Mahbub Anam, and French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet.

The two sides discussed expanding cooperation in digital technology, telecommunications, science, research, innovation, and human resource development.

Fakir Mahbub Anam said an Earth observation satellite could play a vital role in disaster management, agriculture, land administration, and environmental protection. He noted that the government is assessing the feasibility of launching such a satellite and is placing importance on international cooperation for the project.

He added that France's extensive expertise in satellite technology could open new avenues for collaboration through the exchange of knowledge, technology, and technical skills.

Ambassador Séré-Charlet said France is ready to assist Bangladesh with feasibility studies, technology transfer, training, and capacity building for the satellite programme. He noted that Earth observation satellites have wide-ranging applications in agriculture, disaster management, land and urban planning, border security, and maritime surveillance.

The ambassador also expressed France's interest in promoting joint research with Bangladeshi universities and helping develop skilled human resources to maximize the use of the technology.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding Bangladesh-France cooperation and strengthening future partnerships in science and technology.

The meeting was also attended by Posts and Telecommunications Secretary Bilkis Jahan Rimi, Airbus Chief Representative in Bangladesh Rafael Gomez, and officials from Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL).