Rabbi Khan ; Chittagong University : Following six years of extensive preparation and 16 months of infrastructural development, Bangladesh’s first-ever ocean satellite ground station has been officially inaugurated at Chittagong University (CU).
This landmark facility will allow direct data collection from various weather and ocean observation satellites operated by China, the United States, Europe, and Japan.
Experts believe this real-time data will revolutionize fish population tracking, cyclone and natural disaster forecasting, and coastal surveillance.
Mohammad Mir Helal Uddin, State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, officially inaugurated the “China-Bangladesh Ocean Satellite Ground Station for Marine Remote Sensing” on Tuesday morning by unveiling its plaque at the Faculty of Marine Sciences and Fisheries.
A Conceptual Investment of BDT 70 Crore
University sources revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in 2020 between CU and the Second Institute of Oceanography (SIO) under China’s National Oceanic Administration. The structural work for the project commenced on March 26, 2025.
While the agreement involves no direct financial transactions, the Chinese partner provided equipment and covered satellite data fees worth an estimated BDT 50 crore.
On the other hand, Chittagong University contributed infrastructure valued at over BDT 20 crore. Officials noted that these figures represent conceptual contributions rather than a strict contractual budget.
Direct Access to 11 Earth Observation Satellites
Project officials confirmed that the ground station is now connected to 11 Earth observation satellites. The data gathered will be analyzed through rigorous research and supplied to various public and private organizations.
“This is a purely civilian, research-based downlink ground station with no uplink capabilities. Furthermore, all frequencies used by this center have been strictly approved by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).”
Boosting the Blue Economy
Speaking as the chief guest, State Minister Mir Helal Uddin assured that the government would provide all necessary infrastructural support, including uninterrupted electricity and high-speed internet, to help the project reach its full potential.
“Through this center, Bangladesh will gain direct access to satellite data, making weather forecasting significantly more accurate,” the minister stated, adding that the data would play a pivotal role in the blue economy, fisheries management, maritime shipping, and coastal development.
CU Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammad Al-Forkan marked the occasion as a historic day for the university. “We extend our gratitude to our partners for setting up this first-of-its-kind satellite station in the country.
This facility will grant our students and researchers access to real-time marine and fishery data, allowing them to gain hands-on training in data analysis and develop into highly skilled professionals,” he said.