Bangladesh has officially become the 54th nation to sign the Artemis Accords, marking a significant step in its commitment to peaceful, non-military space exploration. 

The agreement, spearheaded by the United States’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), promotes cooperation, transparency, and sustainable use of space.

Defence Secretary Md Ashraf Uddin signed the accords at a ceremony in Dhaka, attended by Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson.

Established in October 2020, the Artemis Accords are non-binding guidelines rooted in existing space treaties. 

They aim to ensure responsible behavior in space exploration, including the Moon and other celestial bodies.

Chowdhury Ashik hailed the signing as a turning point for Bangladesh’s space ambitions, paving the way for collaboration with NASA and global partners. 

“This milestone opens new opportunities for Bangladesh in space research and innovation,” he said.

Ashraf Uddin emphasized that the accords align with Bangladesh’s long-standing commitment to peaceful space use. 

He said that Bangladesh has followed international space norms since establishing SPARRSO in 1980 and highlighted the potential for enhanced cooperation between SPARRSO and NASA.

Through the Artemis Accords, Bangladesh is expected to benefit from technology transfer, capacity building, and expanded scientific research. 

The partnership could support the development of local satellite programs, improve climate monitoring and disaster management, and offer training and scholarship opportunities for Bangladeshi students and scientists.

Also present were AFM Zahid-Ul-Islam, Chief of Protocol and Director General of the North America Wing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and SPARRSO Chairman Md. Rashedul Islam.

BDST: 1920 HRS, April 8, 2025
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