Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid a surprise visit to the Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO) on Sunday, where he issued directives to transform the agency into a modern, self-reliant institution that can make meaningful contributions to national security and development.

The Prime Minister arrived at the SPARRSO headquarters in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Agargaon, at approximately 9:15 am, according to a release issued by the PM’s Press Wing.

Notably, this visit was not included in his official scheduled programme.

During his tour of the organization, which operates under the Ministry of Defence, the Prime Minister visited various sections and engaged in direct discussions with officers and staff.

SPARRSO Chairman Md Rashedul Islam provided a briefing on the organization’s overall activities while officials from different departments presented ongoing research, technological innovations and various projects.

Following these presentations, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman instructed the authorities to develop SPARRSO into a "modern and future-ready space research organisation capable of supporting the country's development and national security through advanced space science, satellite technology and remote sensing."

Accompanying the Prime Minister during the visit were his Defence Adviser, Brig Gen (retd) Dr. AKM Shamsul Islam; Defence Secretary Md Ashraf Uddin; Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon; Private Secretary-2 Md Mehedul Islam; Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony; and other senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and SPARRSO. SPARRSO serves as Bangladesh's national organization responsible for the research, development, and application of space science, satellite technology, and remote sensing.