Bangladesh Joins Artemis Accords: A New Space Chapter?

On April 8, 2025, Dhaka buzzed with optimism as Bangladesh took a bold step into the cosmos. At the Investor Summit, Md. Ashraf Uddin, Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, signed the Artemis Accords, making Bangladesh the 54th nation to join a global pact for peaceful space exploration. The ceremony, attended by U.S. Charge d’Affaires Tracey Jacobson, marked a quiet but significant moment for a country better known for its vibrant textiles and coastal resilience than for lunar ambitions.

This move places Bangladesh in a growing coalition of nations committed to exploring the Moon and beyond responsibly. The Artemis Accords, launched in 2020 by the United States and seven other countries, set out principles for safe, transparent, and sustainable space activities. For Bangladesh, signing the Accords is less about planting flags on the Moon and more about carving out a role in a high-tech future, aligning with its broader goals of economic growth and global cooperation.

Bangladesh’s decision to join the Accords reflects its drive to transform into a knowledge-based economy by 2041, a national vision dubbed 'Vision 2041.' Access to advanced space technologies through partnerships with NASA and other signatories could boost industries like satellite communications and disaster monitoring, critical for a nation prone to cyclones and floods. Economists see potential for job creation and foreign investment as Bangladesh taps into global expertise, positioning itself as a hub for innovation in South Asia.

Beyond economics, the move strengthens Bangladesh’s ties with the United States, a partner for over five decades. It also aligns with the country’s Indo-Pacific Outlook, announced in 2023, which emphasizes a stable and open region. By joining the Accords, Bangladesh signals its commitment to international norms, balancing its relationships with global powers like Japan, India, and Australia, all of whom are also signatories.

The Artemis Accords build on the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which calls for peaceful use of space but lacks specifics for modern challenges like lunar mining or crowded orbits. With 54 nations now on board, including powerhouses like Japan and emerging players like Rwanda, the Accords promote practical steps: sharing data, ensuring safety zones around lunar bases, and preventing conflicts over resources. Supporters argue this framework fosters collaboration, making space exploration more accessible for nations with limited resources.

Not everyone agrees on the approach. Some experts question whether the Accords, led primarily by the United States, might favor wealthier nations with established space programs. They worry smaller players like Bangladesh could struggle to keep pace without significant investment. Others counter that the Accords’ emphasis on knowledge-sharing offers a leg up for newcomers, creating opportunities for joint missions and technological leaps.

Space is no longer the domain of a few superpowers. Private companies like SpaceX and international partnerships have slashed costs, opening the door for countries like Bangladesh. Yet, with opportunity comes complexity. The dual-use nature of space tech, from satellites tracking storms to those guiding missiles, ties exploration to national security. Bangladesh’s involvement in the Accords could enhance its ability to monitor maritime threats in the Bay of Bengal, a key concern given its strategic location.

Historically, space has driven innovation, from GPS to weather forecasting, reshaping economies and security. Bangladesh’s entry into this arena positions it to reap similar benefits, but it also steps into a delicate balance. The country has long pursued a foreign policy of neutrality, encapsulated in its motto, 'Friendship to all, malice to none.' By aligning with the Accords, it aims to collaborate without picking sides in an increasingly competitive galactic race.

Bangladesh’s signature on the Artemis Accords is a small step with big implications. It joins a diverse group of nations working to ensure space remains a shared frontier, not a battleground. For a country focused on lifting millions out of poverty while navigating global pressures, this move offers a chance to dream bigger, harnessing technology to solve problems on Earth and perhaps one day contribute to humanity’s lunar legacy.

As the world watches, the real test lies in execution. Will Bangladesh leverage this opportunity to build a robust space sector, or will the costs and complexities prove daunting? For now, the nation stands at a crossroads, its gaze fixed not just on the stars but on the tangible benefits they might bring home.