Rangamati: Preparations are already underway in the district’s Betbunia Ground Station to control Bangladesh’s first satellite, Bangabandhu-1, launched into space on May 11.

Newly built on a 5-acre land, this state-of-the-art control centre will act as a secondary controlling station after the one built in Gazipur, reports teh UNB.

It has rejuvenated the people in the district, as it was the country’s first satellite earth station, foundation of which was laid by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on June 14, 1975.

Two signals were sent to the two ground stations in Gazipur and Betbunia once Bangabandhu-1 was launched in space.

Project manager at the Betbunia ground station Shipon Chandra Halder said that the station is ready for operation and will soon enhance the digitised facilities of internet and satellite television channel broadcasting.

The infrastructure for the ground station has been completed, while junior consultant from Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) affirmed that the station is now fully prepared for controlling and operating the satellite from the earth.

Habib, a student of Rangamati Science and Technology University, told UNB that he is feeling proud that the second ground station to control Bangabandhu-1 has been constructed in Rangamati.

Apu, a student of computer science, said that setting Bangabandhu-1 off in space is a huge step for the country towards digital technology, which would open new doors for them.

Feroza Begum Chinu, MP, said that Bangabandhu had created the ground station in the district to establish Bangladesh’s communication with the rest of the world, which she believed was an imperative decision on his part.

She demanded the centre to be considered for preservation as a heritage site, as it contains Bangabandhu’s memories.