President greets countrymen

President M Abdul Hamid greeted countrymen and all concerned involved in building Bangabandhu-1 satellite and its launching project, reports UNB.

"Bangladesh started a glorious chapter in the history with the launching of Bangabandhu-1 satellite as it has become a proud member of the satellite club from today," the President said in a message Saturday.

Noting that the satellite launching is a historic event and indeed a matter of joy and pride for Bangladesh, Hamid said this satellite launching takes the nation to a new height in the global arena.

"I do believe the launching of Bangabandhu-1 will bring revolutionary changes in the fields of broadcast and telecommunication. Now, we'll be able to achieve self-sufficiency in these sectors," he said.

The President wished its all-out success in days to come.

Earlier, Abdul Hamid witnessed the launching ceremony of the much-awaited country's first satellite Bangabandhu-1 on Television live at Bangabhaban in the wee hours of Saturday.

The President along with his spouse Rashida Khanam, his son Rejwan Ahmmad Toufiq, MP, secretaries concerned to Bangabhaban and other family members watched the live satellite launching, President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin told the news agency.

The President, he said, was very happy and delighted to watch the historic event as Bangladesh's debut in the space society took place at 2:14 am (Bangladesh Time).

The Bangabandhu satellite inscribed with 'Joy Bangla Joy Bangabandhu' started its voyage towards the orbital slot from Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, the USA, at 2:14 am (Bangladesh Time).