According to reports Bangladesh’s 2nd satellite will not be a mere communication satellite but an Earth Observation Satellite, which will focus on monitoring the earth’s surface. Interestingly, a Hong-Kong based Chinese space industry company claims to have “cooperation agreements” with Bangladesh.
Banglabandhu-2 Satellite:
According to a statement made by Shahjahan Mahmood, ex-chairman of Bangladesh Satellite Company Ltd (BSCL), the deal for second satellite was to be expected to be finalized by the 4th quarter of 2024, with its launch anticipated in the next two to three years, likely around 2028.
In September 2023, a significant milestone was achieved by Bangladesh when a Letter of Intent (LOI) was signed between BSCL and Airbus Defence and Space SAS, France, solidifying the collaboration for the Bangabandhu-2 Earth Observation Satellite System.
Unlike its predecessor, Bangabandhu-1, which serves telecommunications and satellite TV providers, the Bangabandhu-2 satellite will be primarily used by local authorities and agencies to monitor the earth’s surface. This earth observatory satellite is seen as a critical tool for environmental monitoring, disaster management, and other governmental purposes. Will it have Military significance– is not known yet.
Earlier, Mahmood had also mentioned that the initial expectations were that the satellite could be launched by 2025. However, ongoing developments suggest that 2028 is now a more realistic timeline for its deployment.
Corruption Allegations and BSCL’s Financial Struggles
Despite progress on the Bangabandhu-2 project, the interim government which is currently in power in Bangladesh, recently raised concerns about corruption and mismanagement within BSCL. During a meeting on October 2, officials pointed out irregularities under the leadership of the previous BSCL chairman, which have affected the organization’s performance. Notably, BSCL has not filed tax returns for five years, leaving an unpaid amount of approximately Tk100 crore.
However, despite these challenges, the development of the Bangabandhu-2 satellite is proceeding without significant hindrances.
Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Group (HKATG) involvement in Bangladesh
Amidst Bangladesh’s advancements in space technology, the Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Group (HKATG) has been actively expanding its influence in the global space sector. Operating under various names, including Uspace Technology Group in the Middle East, HKATG offers a wide range of space services, from policy drafting to the construction of turnkey space centers.
The company Usspace is led by Feng Quan Sun, a former head of Hong Kong Asset Management. The Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Group (HKATG) claims that it has agreements with space agencies in countries such as Bangladesh, Mexico, Brazil, Bahrain, Nigeria, Jordan, and Turkey. All the names in the list, make the claim very interesting.
HKATG’s website also confirms that Mr. Md. Abdus Samad, Ex-Chairman of Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO) had visited KATG’s Satellite Manufacturing Centre and the Satellite Operation Control and Application Centre in 2023.
The Linkedin page HKATG proves its link to Usspace techology group. The name Usspace, itself is misleading making it sound like an US based company rather than a Chinese company.
Other than the fact that many of HKATG’s directors are of Chinese origin who now live in Hong Kong, HKATG is also associated with China Great Wall Industry Corp (CGWIC), a subsidiary of state-owned defense group China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC).
Whilst we know that HKATG is in contact with Bangladesh’s satellite company, it is not known what the nature of HKATG’s involvement in Bangladesh’s space industry is.
To India this may ring alarm bells as an enemy state ‘s bonhomie with the space agency of India’s immediate neighbour doesn’t bode well.
By Levina
Author is an analyst of strategic affairs and defence. She has expertise in content creation on many subjects.
