Bangladesh's first satellite posts maiden profit after six years in orbit
Of the satellite’s 40 transponders, 26 are now commercially active
Launched in 2018 with big expectations but years of red ink, the country's first satellite, Bangladesh Satellite-1, posted its maiden profit in FY2024–25, and it did so by using only half of its capacity.
State-owned Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL), which operates the satellite, reported a net profit of Tk38.35 crore for the just-ended fiscal year, reversing losses in every previous year. The board approved the audited accounts on 1 December.
The numbers show a company that is slowly finding its market. Revenue rose 9.24% year-on-year to Tk187.07 crore, driven mostly by bandwidth sales to television channels, radio stations, DTH operators, the armed forces, and both public and private agencies. Of the satellite's 40 transponders, 26 are now commercially active.
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"We have taken several initiatives to sell the unused capacity at home and abroad," BSCL Managing Director and CEO Imadur Rahman told TBS.
Dedicated commercial teams have been formed, and investments made to improve service quality, he said, adding that cost management, skills upgrading and tighter operational discipline have also helped steady the company.
Even so, BSCL is utilising only 50% of its satellite capacity. "A satellite is considered successful when 80% of its capacity is used globally. Our target now is to raise utilisation to that level," Rahman said.
One potential boost is the company's new role as an authorised reseller of Starlink. If managed well, Rahman believes the partnership could strengthen BSCL's overall business.
The turnaround this year has come from multiple fronts. BSCL posted an operating profit of Tk2.61 crore for the first time, while income from FDRs and bank deposits pushed non-operating profit up 58% to Tk58.06 crore — a major driver of the bottom line. The company charges monthly fees for transponder and bandwidth usage, with prices varying by band and service type.
Beyond broadcasting, BSCL has been expanding into satellite-based data connectivity, maritime and aviation services, emergency communication, and customised solutions for government and private clients. Officials say this diversification is key to building a sustainable revenue base.
To strengthen long-term capacity, BSCL has stepped up collaboration with universities, research bodies and technology companies to develop skilled satellite engineers and space technologists.
Formed in 2017 under the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, BSCL began full-scale commercial operations after the launch of the satellite in 2018.
Its next ambition is already on the horizon: the government is assessing the feasibility of Bangladesh Satellite-2, which could support advanced applications in weather forecasting, agriculture, disaster management, remote sensing and national security.
