President M Abdul Hamid today said the Bangabandhu-1 satellite launching in space would be able to achieve self-sufficiency in the field of broadcast and telecommunication ending dependency on foreign satellites.

"Bangladesh started a glorious chapter in the history with the launching of Bangabandhu-1 satellite in the space as it became a proud member of the satellite club today," the President said in a message this afternoon.

Greeting the countrymen and all others involved in building Bangabandhu-1 satellite and its launching project, President Hamid said, "I do believe the launching of Bangabandhu-1 will bring revolutionary changes in the fields of broadcast and telecommunication."

Noting that the satellite launching is a historic event and indeed a matter of joy and pride for Bangladesh, the President said this satellite launching takes the nation to a new height in the global arena.

He, in this context, recalled contribution of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who established a satellite station at Betubuniya in Rangamati in 1975 for enhancing communication with the outer world.

"Bangabandhu Satellite-1 is being launched today in its continuation. With the launching of Bangabandhu Satellite-1 in the space, Bangladesh has reached on the verge of Digital Bangladesh," the President observed.

He also expressed thanks to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for taking the bold step of launching a satellite and taking a far-reaching plan in this regard. The President hoped that Bangabandhu satellite-1 would be able to play an active role in the socio-economic development of the country.

Earlier, Abdul Hamid witnessed the launching ceremony of the much-awaited country's first satellite Bangabandhu-1 on Television live at Bangabhaban in the wee hours of today.

The President along with his spouse Rashida Khanam, his son Rejwan Ahmmad Toufiq, MP, secretaries concerned of Bangabhaban and others family members watched the live satellite launching, President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin told BSS.

The President said he was very happy and delighted to watch the historic event as Bangladesh's debut in the space society took place at 2:14am (Bangladesh Time).

The Bangabandhu satellite inscribed with 'Joy Bangla Joy Bangabandhu' started its voyage towards the orbital slot from Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, the USA, at 2:14am (Bangladesh Time).