Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid a surprise visit to the Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organisation (SPARRSO) on Sunday, directing officials to transform it into a modern, self-reliant institution capable of making significant contributions to national security and development.

The Prime Minister arrived at SPARRSO headquarters in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Agargaon, at around 9:15am, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Press Wing. The visit was not included in his official schedule.

SPARRSO is Bangladesh's national agency responsible for the research, development and application of space science, satellite technology and remote sensing.

During the visit, Tarique Rahman toured various sections of the organisation, which operates under the Ministry of Defence, and exchanged views with its officers and staff.

SPARRSO Chairman Md Rashedul Islam briefed the Prime Minister on the organisation's overall activities, while officials from different departments presented updates on their ongoing research, innovations and projects.

The Prime Minister instructed the authorities to develop SPARRSO into a modern, future-ready space research organisation capable of supporting the country's development and strengthening national security through advanced space science, satellite technology and remote sensing.

Prime Minister's Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) AKM Shamsul Islam, Defence Secretary Md Ashraf Uddin, Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, Private Secretary-2 Md Mehedul Islam, Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony, and senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and SPARRSO were present during the visit.