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Bangladesh, Thales sign MoU to boost Earth observation
Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thales Alenia Space of Italy to enhance the country’s capacity in Earth Observation (EO) systems and expand the use of satellite imagery.
The MoU was signed at the conference room of the Posts and Telecommunications Division at the Secretariat in the presence of Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser and Antonio Alessandro, Ambassador of Italy to Bangladesh.
Under the MoU both organisations will collaborate on local skills development, knowledge transfer, and pilot applications of EO data to support national priorities such as disaster management, climate monitoring, agriculture, and urban planning.
Faiz Ahmad thanked Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro for Italy’s continued support to Bangladesh, calling Italy ‘a trusted friend and partner.’
He said Bangladesh is prioritising advanced technologies, especially satellite and space-based solutions to strengthen land management, agriculture, disaster monitoring, climate resilience and national security.
“Every year around 25,000 technology graduates enter our workforce. Creating opportunities for them is our national responsibility,” he said, stressing the need for a National Satellite Image Repository and unified data access for all ministries.
He called for greater collaboration with Thales in capacity building, institutional training, university partnerships and cybersecurity, noting that global best practices can help Bangladesh accelerate digital transformation.
Faiz Ahmad said the MoU will open new doors of cooperation between Bangladesh and Italy in emerging technologies.
Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro expressed his pleasure at attending the ceremony.
He highlighted the significance of the partnership in Earth observation and satellite technologies, noting its strategic importance for national planning, disaster management, and environmental monitoring.
Antonio Alessandro said the programme combines optical and radar observation which is particularly suited for Bangladesh given its weather conditions.
This partnership marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration between Italy and Bangladesh in advanced technologies.
The Ambassador praised Bangladesh’s commitment to digitalisation, modernisation, and technological advancement, emphasising Italy’s readiness to support the country’s journey toward becoming a technology-driven nation.
"Post and Telecommunications Secretary Abdun Naser Khan, BSCL Managing Director and CEO Dr. Muhammad Imadur Rahman, officials from Thales Alenia Space, and other officials from the Post and Telecommunications Division were present at the event, reports UNB.