Multidimensional use of satellite technology a necessity: Rizwana Hasan

Adviser for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Water Resources, and Information and Broadcasting Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Tuesday (6 January) said the multidimensional use of satellite technology has become a necessity for ensuring good governance, effective natural resource management, and disaster preparedness.

She said expanding satellite applications would enhance accountability in state affairs, reduce corruption, and contribute to crime prevention. "The time has come to utilise satellite technology in a more comprehensive and coordinated manner," she said.

The adviser made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a Business Strategic Dialogue, organised by Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) at a city hotel.

Rizwana Hasan said satellite technology has no alternative in strengthening national security, improving institutional capacity, managing water resources, and supporting urban planning. She stressed the need for satellite-based monitoring to protect forests, rivers, agricultural land, wetlands, and other natural resources.

Calling for stronger inter-ministerial coordination, she also emphasised the need to enhance BSCL's operational and technical capacity to ensure effective use of satellite services across government agencies.

Referring to resource constraints in several public sector institutions, particularly the Forest Department, the adviser said increased use of technology could significantly improve monitoring and enforcement. Satellite technology, she added, could play a critical role in identifying offenders and preventing environmental crimes, especially in ecologically sensitive areas such as the Sundarbans, Saint Martin's Island, coastal navigation routes, and hilly regions.

The programme began with a welcome address by Abdun Naser Khan, Secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Division and Chairman of BSCL's Board of Directors. Fayez Ahmad Taiyab, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser in charge of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, attended as a special guest.

Speaking at the event, Fayez Ahmad Taiyab said artificial intelligence-enabled satellite systems are essential for providing early warnings of natural disasters through real-time data exchange. He emphasised cost-effective satellite utilisation and stronger data sharing among ministries.

He said Bangladesh is approaching the second phase of its satellite programme, noting that a balance must be maintained between operating satellites with indigenous capacity and ensuring maximum practical benefits. He urged BSCL to identify at least two key challenges faced by each ministry and develop satellite-based solutions to increase government uptake of satellite services.

Taiyab also said Earth observation satellites could support multiple sectors, including agriculture, disaster management, weather forecasting, and forestry, by enabling data-driven decision-making.

BSCL Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr Md Imadur Rahman presented the keynote paper, highlighting the company's strategic roadmap and future initiatives. BSCL Chairman Abdun Naser Khan said the company is working to diversify satellite-based solutions in line with global technological trends.

Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Abu Taher Md Jaber said tracking nearly 30,000 fishing vessels remains a challenge and affordable satellite-based monitoring could significantly enhance fishermen's safety.

Science and Technology Secretary Md Anwar Hossain underscored the importance of remote sensing and said joint space-based research initiatives would be undertaken with BSCL. He expressed optimism that Bangladesh could establish a visible presence in the global space industry within the next decade.

Agriculture Secretary Dr Md Emdad Ullah Mian said satellite technology would be used to assess crop production, support weather forecasting, and analyse land use in hilly areas under the ministry's long-term agricultural development plan.

At the dialogue, Rear Admiral (retd) Abul Kalam Azad spoke on "Blue Economy: What BSCL Can Do for Bangladesh?" while Dr Saifur Rahman Bokul, Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Bangladesh Aerospace University, discussed "How Can Bangladesh Be at the Forefront of the Space Industry?"

Speakers noted that modern satellite technology enables efficient identification, monitoring, and conservation of marine, agricultural, and mineral resources. They expressed optimism that a coordinated and strategic use of satellite technology would support sustainable development, disaster management, and natural resource conservation in Bangladesh.