The much- hyped Bangabandhu Satellite project is expected to get final nod from the government by the end of this month, a top official working with the project said.
The project has been revived as the Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina recently expressed her dissatisfaction over the progress of the country's maiden satellite mission.
The PM voiced her strong reservation at a recent meeting with the telecom ministry officials and asked them to expedite the project work to go into operation within the extended timeframe of March, 2017.
"The country's first ever satellite Bangabandhu-1 is likely to be tabled at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) after necessary scrutiny by the planning commission shortly", the official said preferring anonymity.
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), the project implementing body, has already finalised the project worth Tk 29.67 billion, the official said adding that following the PM's order the Ministry of Planning started consultation with the regulator.
Of the total approximate cost of Tk29.67 billion, the government will provide Tk13.15 billion while the remaining portion will be collected from the private sector.
"Following the government approval, we will invite international tender to execute the multi-billion project soon", he said.
The official reiterated their firm determination to materialise the project within the deadline to go into operation by 2017. "We are hopeful that the satellite would be ready to go for commercial operation three months after the setup as it will need trial orbital test.
However, the regulator is yet to get its desired orbital space to set up the satellite due to objections from different countries. The official is optimistic of getting the orbital slot of 119.1 degree east in the orbit to set up the satellite.
Bangabandhu Satellite Project may get final govt nod by month-end
Khairul Islam | Published: July 17, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2024 06:01:00
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