With its GDP growth rate at 7.86 per cent in the last 2017-18 fiscal year and per capita income hitting US$1,751, Bangladesh is now a befitting riposte, before the world, to the infamous criticism of its being 'a bottomless basket'. The vision the nation now nurtures is to become a developed country by 2041. All development indicators of the country have observed its steady and visible progress. The recent launch of the first-ever Bangladesh satellite titled 'Bangabandhu-1' into space adds greatly to all these successes. Owing to its technicalities and this being a gigantic technological feat, people in Bangladesh have grown an inquisitiveness to know about its functions, operative details and benefits.
Faruque Hossain, basically a juvenile literature personality, from his literary point of view has felt it to be necessary to present the ins and outs of the preparations, the final launch and other aspects of the satellite in a lucid Bangla to all Bangla-speaking people.
His book 'Mohakashe Bangladesh' (Bangladesh in space) has recently hit the bookstands. Given their enthusiasm, the readers appear to have eagerly been waiting for such a book on the Bangabandhu-1 satellite.
Published by Padakkhep in fresh art paper with attractive graphics and photographs, the book is priced at Taka 500. It is available at Padakkhep on the 7th floor (805), Rose View Plaza Limited, 185, Bir Uttam CR Dutta Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka. Orders can also be made at the phone numbers 01726740868 and 01711704402.
The writer, an Additional Secretary to the government and Director General of Central Procurement Technical Unit, has dedicated the book on Bangabandhu-1 satellite to Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed, Adviser for Information and Communication Technology to the Prime Minister.
Faruque Hossain has been able to delve deep into the issues of satellites as he has gone through the procurement process of the Bangabandhu-1 satellite. He has also been witness to the grand and successful launch of the satellite at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA.
The 57-page book with a wonderful cover-page and illustrations contains 11 segments that give descriptions of the satellite. These are Satellites and Their History, Satellite Launching Countries and Agencies, Functions of Satellites, Purpose-based Satellites, Shapes of Satellites, Advantages and Disadvantages of Satellites, Bangabandhu Satellite-1, Satellite Launching and My (the writer's) Feelings, Launching Moments of Bangabandhu-1, Bangabandhu Satellite at a Glance, and Bangabandhu Satellite in Frames.
The book is expected to be an interesting read for all ages of readers, particularly youths, students and children. The age now is one of digital technology. Life has become easier than in the past in Bangladesh because of its adoption.
The book suits readers of both rural and urban settings. They can have wider information on satellites as narrated in this book. The publication could be defined as a repository of satellite-related information. Faruque Hossain, a skilled rhymer, story-teller and a travel-story writer with more than 60 titles to his credit, has proved his worth excellently by touching the hearts of the lovers of science publications in particular, and readers in general. The magic of the book lies in the simple and easy presentation of complex and technical issues related to satellites.
The reviewer is a senior journalist and communications specialist.