Bangladesh has become the 54th country to sign the Artemis Accords, an international space exploration agreement by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States of America. The signing ceremony was held on the sidelines of Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 at the InterContinental Hotel Dhaka on April 8.

​The Artemis Accords, established by NASA in 2020, are a set of non-binding agreements aimed at promoting peaceful, cooperative, and transparent exploration of outer space, particularly focusing on activities related to the Moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies. The Accords outline principles such as transparency, interoperability, and mutual support in space exploration and research among signatory nations. Notable signatories include the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Italy, Canada, Brazil, India, and France, among others.

The signing program began with a virtual message from Janet Petro, Acting administrator of NASA where she mentioned that the visit of Joseph M Acaba, Chief Astronaut at NASA last December began the process and the introduction of the Artemis accords in Bangladesh.

Photo: Md. Zahidur Rabbi

"The young minds of Bangladesh have shown the world their passion for space exploration. In four of the last six years, Bangladeshi innovators have been global champions in NASA's space apps challenge. Their creativity and drive exemplify the future of space exploration and I have no doubt we will continue to see extraordinary scientists, engineers and even future astronauts emerge from Bangladesh," Janet said.

"This is not just about reaching the moon. It is about ensuring that our journey there and beyond is peaceful, sustainable and beneficial to all. We at NASA are thrilled by Bangladesh's signature on the accords".

Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson, US Chargé D'affaires to Bangladesh said, "We are thrilled to see Bangladesh becoming the 54th signatory of the Artemis accords."

"These accords represent a form of leadership and multilateral affairs, and international space diplomacy by bringing together countries that share a vision of shared prosperity in space, shared usage of space and we look very much forward towards working with you on this," added Ambassador Tracey.

Ambassador Tracey also presented a gift to the Chief Advisor which included a patch worn by Joseph Acaba when he was in space.

Mentioning that the purpose of the accords is to provide guidelines and best practices, Md. Ashraf Uddin, Secretary of the Ministry of Defence said, "To promote space science and technology, Bangladesh established the Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO) in 1980. Bangladesh follows the international rules and norms on the peaceful use of space."

After the signing, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman at BIDA and BEZA said, "It would take us 15 to 20 years to properly understand the effects of this accord. This is step one of possibly one thousand."

Mentioning that many Bangladeshis already work at NASA, Ashik said, "This will create a new avenue for the youth."

"This signing was possible in a very short time as many ministries worked together simultaneously," remarked the BIDA Chairman.

Among others, Stephen Ibelli, Public Diplomacy Counselor, U.S. Embassy, Dhaka; James S. Gardiner, Acting Economic Unit Chief, U.S. Embassy, Dhaka; Md. Rashedul Islam, Chairman, SPARRSO; A.F.M. Zahid-Ul-Islam, Chief of Protocol and Director General, North America Wing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA); Nahian Rahman Rochi, Head of Business Development, BIDA; Md. Shafiul Alam, Director, North America Wing, MoFA; and Sayeda Sumaiya Tarannum, Assistant Secretary, North America Wing, MoFA, were present at the signing ceremony.