On Tuesday, the state-run Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) signed an agreement with Italy's Thales Alenia Space to strengthen domestic capacity for Earth Observation (EO) systems and satellite imagery utilisation.
According to a statement from the Post and Telecommunications and ICT Ministry, Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb and Italian Ambassador in Dhaka Antonio Alessandro witnessed the signing of the MoU in the ministry's conference room.
"Every year, approximately 25,000 technology graduates enter our (Bangladesh) workforce. At the signing ceremony, Taiyeb stated, "Creating opportunities for them is our national responsibility."
According to the statement, the special assistant emphasised the importance of a National Satellite Image Repository and unified data access for all ministries, while also seeking increased collaboration with Thales on capacity building, institutional training, university partnerships, and cyber security.
"Global best practices can contribute to Bangladesh's accelerated digital transformation," he said.
Taiyeb thanked the Italian envoy for Rome's ongoing assistance to Bangladesh, describing Italy as a "trusted friend and partner".
He stated that Bangladesh has prioritised advanced technologies, particularly satellite and space-based solutions, to improve land management, agriculture, disaster monitoring, climate resilience, and national security.
The Italian envoy emphasised the partnership's significance for earth observation and satellite technologies, citing its strategic importance for national planning, disaster management, and environmental monitoring.
"The programme combines optical and radar observation, which is ideal for Bangladesh's weather conditions." This partnership marks the start of a long-term collaboration between Italy and Bangladesh in advanced technologies," Alessandro stated.
He praised Bangladesh's commitment to digitalisation, modernisation, and technological advancement, emphasising Italy's willingness to help the country become a technology-driven nation.
According to the MoU, the two organisations will work together on local skill development, knowledge transfer, and pilot applications of EO data to support national priorities such as disaster management, climate monitoring, agriculture, and urban planning.
The signing ceremony was attended by the ministry's secretary, Abdun Naser Khan, as well as BSCL Managing Director and CEO Dr Muhammad Imadur Rahman, Thales Alenia Space officials, and others.
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