An MoU for the launch of a new satellite will be signed during the visit of the French President. Named Bangabandhu Satellite-2, it will be an earth observation satellite through which basically the land and sea area of Bangladesh can be observed. France will build one radar and two optical radars for the satellite.
Speaking to Prothom Alo on the condition of anonymity, a senior Bangladeshi diplomat said that Bangladesh had raised the issue of technology transfer after the proposal to sell Airbus aircraft and satellites came. A later proposal from Airbus stated that they would build a radar for the satellite. And a plant will be set up in Bangladesh to manufacture the remaining optical radars.
When asked about the matter, Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited Chairman Shahjahan Mahmood told Prothom Alo on Saturday afternoon, “Earth images will be taken and sent to Bangladesh by Bangabandhu Satellite-2. This will provide a complete picture of the land and ocean surface of Bangladesh. This will enhance monitoring and also make it easier to determine what measures need to be taken and when.
As well as the satellite, Airbus has been in touch with the sale of the aircraft over the past few years. As part of this effort, a joint declaration was signed between Bangladesh and Britain in May this year for the purchase of 10 aircraft. An MoU in this regard will be signed during the visit of President Macron.
