The Bangladesh government is planning to build the country’s first ever observatory- the “Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Space Observatory Centre” at the Bhanga Upazila of Faridpur. The observatory is to be constructed in collaboration with the Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARSSO).
The project is expected to receive authorization from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) by January 19. The cost of the construction is about 213 crores. The observatory will possess an array of modern arrangement and facilities, with the height of the observatory tower being 100 metres to commemorate the birth centenary of Bangabandhu.
Celebrated writer Professor Zafar Iqbal brought up the preliminary idea of constructing a space observatory centre in Faridpur. He explained that the Tropic of Cancer, the Tropic of Capricorn, and the equator are better mapped at the Bhanga Upazila of Faridpur, making the location an ideal site to construct the space observatory.
The Prime Minister accepted the proposal and directed the Ministry of Science and Technology to begin work on the project.
The observatory is planned to be constructed on 10 acres of land, possessing a 5-storey circular building with reflector telescopes. The building will also include classrooms, laboratories, office rooms and accommodation. The facilities at the observatory will be ideal for research, workshops and training initiatives. The project is scheduled to be implemented by June 2023.
