Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday paid a surprise visit to the Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO), directing officials to transform it into a modern, self-reliant institution capable of making meaningful contributions to national security and development.

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

The visit was not included in his scheduled programme.

During the visit, Tarique Rahman toured different sections of the organisation under the Ministry of Defence and exchanged views with its officers and staff.

SPARRSO Chairman Md Rashedul Islam briefed the Prime Minister on the organisation's overall activities, while officials from different departments presented their ongoing research, innovations and projects.

The Prime Minister instructed the authorities to develop SPARRSO as 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.

Prime Minister's 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 senior officials of the Ministry of Defence and SPARRSO were present during the visit.

SPARRSO is Bangladesh's national organisation responsible for research, development and application of space science, satellite technology and remote sensing.