Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday paid a surprise visit to SPARRSO, the Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organisation, directing officials to transform the agency into a modern, self-reliant institution capable of making greater contributions to space research in Bangladesh.

The Prime Minister arrived at SPARRSO headquarters in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Agargaon, at around 9:15am, making the surprise inspection outside his scheduled programme.

He also held an impromptu interaction with SPARRSO officials and employees to learn about the organisation’s ongoing activities and operational challenges regarding space research in Bangladesh.

SPARRSO Chairman Md Rashidul Islam briefed the Prime Minister on the organisation’s overall activities, achievements and future plans.

Officials from different divisions also presented their research, innovations and ongoing projects related to space science, satellite technology and remote sensing applications.

The Prime Minister instructed officials to strengthen SPARRSO as a technologically advanced and future-ready institution capable of supporting Bangladesh’s development goals and national security.

He emphasised the importance of expanding the country’s capabilities in space research, satellite technology and remote sensing to meet emerging national needs.

Among those present during the visit were Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Defence Secretary Md Ashraf Uddin, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, Private Secretary-2 Md Mehedul Islam, Deputy Press Secretary-1 Zahidul Islam Rony, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and SPARRSO.

SPARRSO is a national agency responsible for space research in Bangladesh, and the application of space science, satellite technology and remote sensing for national planning, disaster management, agriculture, environmental monitoring and other strategic sectors.