Highlights
- Bangladesh’s first satellite posts its first-ever profit in FY2024–25
- BSCL reports Tk38.35 crore net profit, reversing previous years of losses
- Revenue grows 9.24% year-on-year to Tk187.07 crore
- Only 50% of satellite capacity is currently utilised; global benchmark is 80%
- Partnership with Starlink expected to boost future growth
- Government already studying the feasibility of Bangladesh Satellite-2
A Turning Point for Bangladesh Satellite-1
Bangladesh Satellite-1 launched in 2018 with big hopes, Bangladesh’s first communication satellite struggled financially for years. But FY2024–25 changed the story.
For the first time, Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) reported a net profit of Tk38.35 crore, marking a major turnaround after continuous losses since launch. The BSCL board approved the audited accounts on 1 December, confirming the company’s strongest financial year yet.
Growing Revenue and a Stronger Market Position
BSCL’s revenue rose 9.24% to Tk187.07 crore, driven by increasing demand for satellite bandwidth. Their clients include:
- TV and radio stations
- DTH (Direct-to-Home) operators
- The armed forces
- Public and private agencies
Out of 40 transponders on Bangladesh Satellite-1, 26 are commercially active and generating income. MD and CEO Imadur Rahman said the company has taken several steps to expand its customer base, including:
- Forming dedicated commercial teams
- Improving service quality
- Tightening cost management
- Conducting skills development
- Bringing operational discipline into daily work
These efforts helped BSCL generate an operating profit of Tk2.61 crore, the first in its history. Despite the positive results, BSCL is only using 50% of its satellite capacity, far below the global success benchmark of 80%. “Our target now is to raise utilisation to that level,” said Imadur Rahman.
To achieve this, BSCL is trying to sell unused capacity both domestically and internationally. Increasing utilisation remains one of the biggest opportunities for future growth.
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Starlink Partnership
One of the most promising developments is BSCL becoming an authorised reseller of Starlink in Bangladesh. Imadur Rahman believes that if handled properly, this partnership could strengthen BSCL’s business model and open up new revenue streams, especially in high-speed satellite internet services.
Diversification Beyond Broadcasting
BSCL is no longer limited to TV broadcasting services. Officials say that diversification is essential for building a stable and sustainable revenue base. The company is expanding aggressively into:
- Satellite-based data connectivity
- Maritime and aviation communication
- Emergency communication systems
- Customised satellite solutions for government and private sectors
To support long-term growth, BSCL is working with universities, research institutions and technology companies to develop skilled satellite engineers and space technologists. This approach is expected to reduce dependency on foreign expertise and strengthen national capacity in space technology.
Bangladesh Satellite-2: The Next Big Step
The government is now evaluating the feasibility of Bangladesh Satellite-2, which is expected to support advanced applications such as:
- Weather forecasting
- Agriculture monitoring
- Disaster management
- Remote sensing
- National security operations
If approved, the second satellite could elevate Bangladesh’s position in the global space technology landscape.
Source: TBS
