Bangladesh joins Artemis Accords to promote peaceful space exploration

On April 8, 2025, Bangladesh became the 54th nation to sign the Artemis Accords during a ceremony held in its capital city, Dhaka. This signing signifies Bangladesh's commitment to the responsible and safe exploration of outer space, focusing on benefits for humanity as a whole. Janet Petro, the acting Administrator of NASA, expressed excitement at this development, highlighting Bangladesh’s role in shaping the future of space exploration and emphasizing the importance of a transparent and sustainable journey to the Moon and beyond. The Artemis Accords, initially established in 2020 by the United States, along with seven other countries, were designed to create practical guidelines to enhance safety and reduce risks associated with civil space exploration. Since their inception, the number of signatory nations has grown significantly, showcasing an international commitment to responsible space practices. The Accords are founded on principles outlined in the Outer Space Treaty and encompass agreements on registration, rescue, and returning of astronauts, along with best practices that ensure public release of scientific data. Ashraf Uddin, Bangladesh's Secretary of Defense, signed the Accords, representing the nation's new position in the global context of space exploration. In a remark during the ceremony, Bangladesh's Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus stated that this commitment will enhance the country's engagement with NASA and foster collaboration with the international community. He noted the importance of building a solid foundation for responsible exploration that benefits all participating nations. The inclusion of Bangladesh in the Artemis Accords illustrates the ongoing efforts to unite countries in a shared vision for the future of space activities, ensuring that exploration is conducted in a way that respects the rights and interests of all nations involved. This signing ceremony not only represents Bangladesh’s ambition to contribute to space exploration but also reflects a broader international consensus that prioritizes peace and cooperation in the quest for knowledge beyond our planet.