Ecnec clears much-awaited satellite launching project
Ecnec clears much-awaited satellite launching project
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) today approved the much-awaited 'Bangabandhu Satellite Launching' project with an outlay of Tk 2967.95 crore, aiming to launch the country's first satellite in the orbit.
The approval came from the 8th Ecnec meeting of the current fiscal year held at the NEC conference room in Dhaka with Ecnec Chairperson and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal said six development projects involving Tk 4296.63 crore were approved today. "Of the total project cost, Tk 1928.53 crore will come from the national exchequer, while Tk 5.03 crore from the organisation's own fund and Tk 2363.07 crore in project assistance."
The planning minister said Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) under the post and telecommunications ministry will implement the project by June 2017 under which the country's first satellite would be launched in the orbit.
He said although there has been delay in undertaking the project, it would save around Tk 110 to Tk 120 crore every year in foreign currency in broadcasting expenditure once the satellite is launched.
Under the project, two earth stations will be set up at Joydevpur in Gazipur and Betbunia in Rangamati apart from a satellite.
Of the total project cost of Tk 2,967.95 crore, Tk 1315.51 crore will come from the public coffer while the rest Tk 1652.44 crore from the suppliers credit or tenderers bidders financing.
Kamal hoped that many companies will come up with their competitive bids for the project, and said that American firm Space Partnership International will help Bangladesh design and launch the satellite.