France to help develop BD students' satellite technology skills: Envoy
FE REPORT | Tuesday, 14 May 2024
France has shown interest to support Bangladeshi students in acquiring skills related to satellite technology, says its envoy in Dhaka.
The willingness was expressed when Marie Massdupui, the French Ambassador to Bangladesh, paid a courtesy call on Zunaid Ahmed Palak, state minister for posts, telecommunications and information technology, at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday.
During their meeting, they touched upon the possibility of providing training to Bangladeshi youths through the French satellite company Airbus.
They exchanged views on various matters of common interest, particularly the expansion and advancement of telecommunications and information technology for the development of a Smart Bangladesh.
Mr Palak emphasised further strengthening the existing relationship between Bangladesh and France, portraying them as close allies and highlighting France's significance as a development partner and sincere friend to Bangladesh.
He also mentioned President Emmanuel Macron's recent visit to Bangladesh upon Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's invitation, foreseeing it as a means to further boost bilateral ties. Moreover, Mr Palak noted Bangladesh's upcoming participation in France's technology festival, where the country's technical prowess will be showcased alongside 120 French technology companies.
Additionally, he expressed interest to collaborate with School Forty Two, a France-based institution, to nurture skilled individuals in areas such as AI, Robotics, Blockchain, and cybersecurity, reflecting his optimism for future cooperation.
Bangladesh signed the MoU with France for the second satellite and its launching will help Bangladesh to navigate the challenge of the fourth industrial revolution.
In September 2023, a Letter of Intent (LOI) on Cooperation between Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited and Airbus Defence and Space SAS, France related to the Bangabandhu-2 Earth Observation Satellite System was signed.
The documents were inked in the presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and France President Emmanuel Macron at Karobi Hall of the Prime Minister's Office.
On Sunday, Shahjahan Mahmood, chairman of the Bangladesh Satellite Company Ltd, has said that the deal for the second satellite will be finalised within two or three months and it will be launched in two or three years.