Dhaka: A Tk 1951.75 crore deal with French company Thales Alenia Space has been signed to procure equipment for the country’s first-ever satellite project Bangabandhu-1.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication and Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Shahjahan Mahmud and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Thales Alenia Space Jean-Loïc Galle inked the deal from their respective sides at a ceremony at Hotel Sonargaon in the capital on Wednesday, reported UNB.

State Minister for Posts and Telecommunications Tarana Halim was present as the chief guest at the signing ceremony while lawmaker Imran Ahmed, president of the Parliamentary standing committee on Posts and Telecommunications was present as a special guest.

On November 20, the Cabinet Purchase Committee approved a Tk 1951.75 crore tender proposal of Thales at its meeting aiming to launch the Bangabandhu Satellite by December 2017.

Two station grounds will be constructed in Joydebpur of Gazipur and Betbunia of Rangamati for the satellite project.

Addressing the programme, Tarana Halim said, ‘I feel much honoured and privileged to be here at the contract signing ceremony with Thales Alenia Space, France for the project ‘Orbit Delivery of Geosynchronous Satellite System for the Provision of Communications and Broadcasting Services to Bangladesh and Surrounding Regions’.’

‘This contract is the final step towards fulfilling our long-cherished dream of launching the first satellite of Bangladesh ‘Bangabandhu Satellite-1’,’ she said.

The project will save money for the existing national users of satellite services, government and enterprise alike and create new services for government and enterprise and consumers, the junior minister said.