[🇧🇩] Space Program in Bangladesh

[Saif]

Move over SpaceX. Bangladesh has its own rockets now

Bangladeshi aerospace company DhumketuX has officially unveiled Bidrohi, a domestically built commercial sub-orbital space rocket made in Bangladesh, on 29 April.

www.thedailystar.net

Move over SpaceX. Bangladesh has its own rockets now

Nahiyan Al Rahman ‘Oli’, founder and CEO of DhumketuX with Birdrohi space rocket. Image: DhumketuX.

Bangladeshi aerospace company DhumketuX has officially unveiled Bidrohi, a domestically built commercial sub-orbital space rocket made in Bangladesh, on 29 April.

Named after the celebrated poem Bidrohi by national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, the rocket has been positioned by its developers as a symbol of Bangladesh's growing ambition in science and technology. According to DhumketuX, the rocket is intended to reach sub-orbital space and is designed to carry payloads ranging from 35 to 50 kilograms. It stands 6.1 metres tall and uses a two-stage propulsion system which features a solid-fuel first stage and a liquid-fuel second stage.

Nahiyan Al Rahman 'Oli', founder and CEO of DhumketuX said, "We are coordinating with the government for a launch pad of our rocket. The purpose of this rocket launch is commercial. We are going to launch 5 nano satellites (student-designed CubeSat satellites) with it. We are also exploring advertising partnerships involving brand placement aboard the rocket."

About the launch plans with this particular rocket, Nahiyan said, "Bidrohi is a suborbital rocket. It will fly 200 kilometres with 50 kg payload and 281 kilometres with 35 kg payload. Once deployed, the rocket is expected to remain in space for a number of days before returning to Earth via parachute, landing in the Indian Ocean."

Nahiyan also added that DhumketuX is planning to showcase the rocket in 8 different locations across the country starting from Mymensingh.

In addition to its commercial objectives, the Bidrohi mission includes scientific research components. The rocket is expected to carry advanced sensors for atmospheric and climate studies. DhumketuX has also indicated that the mission will feature a symbolic tribute to national heritage, including engravings of 200 million Bangladeshi names on the rocket's upper stage, five national symbols, and a 'secret payload' whose details remain undisclosed.​

 

[Saif]

A suborbital rocket named "Bidrohi" is designed and manufactured by some ex-students of an engineering college has drawn attention of many in Bangladesh. The video is below:

 

[Saif]

Dhumketu X, Bangladesh's first private Space agency, is working on making rockets, satellites and drones for Bangladesh. Dumketu X successfully sent a rocket named Puti Mach 01 into space in 2023. Recently they are working on several rocket prototypes namely Dhumketu 06, Dhumketu 07 and 52-৫২। This company has 50 bright engineers who are working on making rocket engine.

 

[Saif]

The CEO of Dhumketu X has said that he needs funding and policy support from the government to move forward with his company. According to him there is no dearth of talents in the country but there is a serious lacking in policy and financial support from the government.

 

[Saif]

How to see the meteor shower from Bangladesh between Aug 12-13

The Perseid meteor shower peaks on 12–13 August, offering spectacular views across Bangladesh. Best spots include Cox’s Bazar, Saint Martin’s Island, Bandarban, and Sylhet. Minimize light pollution, adjust your eyes, and enjoy brighter meteors despite moonlight interference.

www.thedailystar.net

How to see the meteor shower from Bangladesh between Aug 12-13

Photo: Collected / Austin Human / Unsplash

Every August, the night sky has a way of humbling us. The Perseid meteor shower returns, reminding us that above the haze of our everyday lives, there's a theatre of cosmic dust and light. This year, on the nights of 12 and 13 August, Bangladesh will have a clear ticket to this celestial display — if you know where and how to look.

Why We See It

As Earth orbits the Sun, the debris left behind by the Swift-Tuttle comet forms the Perseids meteors. The small microscopic particles burn up in Earth's atmosphere at incredible speed, which in turn creates meteor showers.

Photo: Collected / Juskteez Vu / Unsplash

Best Spots in Bangladesh

Light pollution is your biggest enemy here. While you can catch glimpses from any open field in the outskirts of Dhaka, your best chance lies in the quieter, darker corners of the country.

Cox's Bazar: Go to the quiet hilly side of the city and enjoy the show with the ocean on the horizon.

Saint Martin's Island: Far from the mainland glare, with the bonus of ocean air.

Ruma or Thanchi, Bandarban: Higher altitude, less artificial light, and breath-taking horizons.

Lawachara National Park, Sylhet: Dense Forest surroundings to block stray light sources. If travelling isn't an option, find the darkest open field you can — village edges or riverbanks are ideal.

Do's and Don'ts for Viewing

Do: Give your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust to the dark — skip your phone during this time. It helps if you bring a mat or reclining chair so you won't have to strain your neck to look up.

Don't: Use bright torches unless absolutely necessary; even brief flashes ruin your ability to adjust to low light. Expect a constant downpour of meteors — patience is part of the show. It is ill-advised to shout out every sighting — share quietly so others don't miss their moment.

Photo: Collected / Tengyart / Unsplash

Why This Year Is Still Worth It

Yes, there's a catch: the Moon will be nearly full, washing out many faint meteors. But brighter ones, including the occasional fireball, will still slice through. If anything, spotting them amid the moonlight feels like earning them.

When Clouds Crash the Party

Bangladesh's August skies are almost always going through overcast spells. If the night turns cloudy, don't waste the trip. You can turn it into a campout, tell stories, or stargaze during any clear breaks. The best memories are created during unplanned moments.​