France has thanked Bangladesh for its commitment concerning the acquisition of 10 A350 from Airbus. The two countries underlined the importance of continued cooperation on improved air traffic management in all airports of Bangladesh. Both countries welcomed enhanced cooperation in strategic sectors, according to the joint statement on Bangladesh-France partnership for peace, prosperity and people. Bangladesh and France regard sovereignty and strategic autonomy as key principles for a stable, multi-polar world. Also read: Bangladesh, France are opening up new areas of cooperation: PM Hasina Likewise, as a contribution to the 2041 Vision of a Smart Bangladesh, the two countries welcomed the conclusion of a space partnership between Airbus DS and Bangladesh Satellite Company Ltd. (BSCL) that will strengthen Bangladesh’s position as a Space nation after it masters its own sovereign earth observation satellite. Bangladesh and France have agreed to cooperate in the fields of ICT and digital technology, including artificial intelligence. In this regard, France invited Bangladesh to consider joining initiatives such as the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence. They also stressed the importance of joining their efforts towards an enhanced management of cybersecurity issues for a global, open and secure cyberspace governed by international law. Also read: Dhaka, Paris willing to step up defence cooperation, take relations to “strategic” level France will work towards identification of technical assistance to Bangladesh in dealing with cybersecurity threats and will work together on the Global Digital Compact under the aegis of the UN. Bangladesh and France share a deep-seated friendship, based on shared democratic values, promotion of human rights, sustaining peace and sustainable development. This friendship is rooted in multi-layered historical ties that notably saw André Malraux, France’s former Minister of Culture, launch his memorable call for supporting Bangladesh during the Liberation War in 1971 and his subsequent meeting with Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Dhaka in April 1973. Building on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to France in November 2021, at her invitation, President Emmanuel Macron paid a bilateral visit to Bangladesh from 10-11 September 2023. The President of France and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh met on Monday in Dhaka to give a strong impetus to the bilateral relations, and stated their common conviction to develop a trusted and meaningful partnership fostering strategic autonomy - in support of global peace and security, resilience and prosperity, and people-centric connectivity. Also read: France respects Bangladesh's sovereign policy independence: PM Hasina says after talks with President Macron

Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar has said the proposed Bangabandhu Satellite-2 would be launched to space in time. “All preparations have been completed to launch Bangabandhu Satellite-2 into space within the stipulated time under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” he said. The minister said this while addressing a discussion at a city’s hotel on Thursday night, said a PID handout on Friday. Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) arranged the function on the occasion of the 2nd anniversary of the broadcasting of the country’s private satellite television channels through Bangabandhu Satellite-1. Read: Work on to build Bangabandhu Satellite-2: Mustafa Jabbar Mustafa said the Posts and Telecommunications Division started works to send the Bangabandhu Satellite-2 into space, introduce 5G network and install third submarine cable connectivity in a bid to implement the pledges made in the election manifesto. He expressed hope that the works would be completed within the stipulated time. The minister said Bangladesh became the 57th country that launched the first satellite by sending Bangabandhu satellite-1 to space. He said 2021 is the final year of the country’s transformation into Digital Bangladesh as per the pledge made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on December 12, 2008.  He said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman sowed the seeds of Digital Bangladesh, by setting up a ground satellite centre at Betbunia, acquiring the ITU and IPU membership, establishing T&T Board and introducing technology-based education. Read: Mustafa Jabbar for tough action against digital criminals Mustafa said the prime minister provided licenses to four mobile operator companies breaking monopoly business in this sector, withdrew VAT and tax on computers, introduced the internet through VSAT, and has been working to establish Bangladesh as a software export country. "Everyone is proud to be able to use their country's satellite," he said. Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud also spoke at the function as the chief guest, while PM’s Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus as the special guest. Posts and Telecommunications Secretary Afzal Hossain, President of Association of Television Channel Owners (ATCO) Anjan Chowdhury were virtually present at the event presided over by BSCL chairman Dr Shahjahan Mahmood.

Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) is ready to help improve the existing TV viewership measurement system in the country, making ratings more accurate, Information Minister Hasan Mahmud said on Monday.

Bangladesh is getting ready to launch its second satellite "Bangabandhu Satellite-2" by 2023.