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The country’s first full-sized Astro observatory has been established at “Benu Vita” at Sreepur in Gazipur. This private, non-profitable observatory has created a new history in the astronomy practice of the country.
Freedom fighter and businessman Shahjahan Mridha Benu funded the observatory at his own expense, which is the first private full-size Astro observatory in Bangladesh.
The work of this non-profitable observatory, built by the personal efforts of its founder, has already been completed with the design and technology of Benu.
Within a few days, those interested in astronomical research will have the opportunity to conduct research here. It will become a space research center with the participation of famous astronomy researchers from home and abroad.
A new field of research is being introduced through this, said Benu.
He is also Secretary General of the Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCCI) and Chairman of Agro Business Limited.
Shahjahan Mridha Benu set up the country’s first observatory in 1990 on the roof of the National Museum of Science and Technology in the capital, he told the Business Post. But the museum authorities could not make it more effective.
There was no stopping Benu’s attempt to cure the intoxication. He then installed machinery in his building at Sidheswari in the capital. Due to heavy air pollution and large buildings, Benu’s dream did not see the face of light.
Then, in 2019, he started the work of setting up the observatory at Benu’s Vita on 80 bighas of land purchased by him in Prantat village of Gazipur, near Dhaka.
In the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, the construction of his dream continued. This observatory was built without any cooperation from the government. which is the first full-fledged observatory in the private sector.
All the activities, including the maintenance of this establishment, are being done with his personal funds. It will be officially inaugurated very soon, Mr. Benu said.
The observatory was recently visited to see that the telescope was installed in a four-story building. The night sky is being observed with the help of the 14-inch Meade-Cassegrain telescope in the initial stage of this observatory.
A more sophisticated 100-inch diameter refractor telescope will be attached here in the future, Benu said.
Benu personally bought 80 bighas of land in the last 30 years in Gazipur. After that, he spent about TK 3 crore to build the Astra Observatory on this land. He also imported a high-quality telescope from America.
Benu’s Astra Observatory is advised by Dipen Bhattacharya, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Moreno Valley College in the United States.
Bhattacharya said after visiting the Astra observatory on that day that Benu is one of the people who started the practice of astronomy in the country at the hands of science lovers.
One of the pioneers in the practice of astronomy, he led the research, observation, and celebration of all astronomical events in post-independence Bangladesh, he said.
Dipen Bhattacharya also said that such great work on a personal initiative really deserves praise. Benu Sahib’s sincerity towards astronomy really encourages us. He hoped that students and researchers would greatly benefit from this in the future.
The dream of this space lover centered on astronomy is on the verge of coming true. “We will also help to nurture the dream of this brave freedom fighter as well as realize it,” he added.
The astronomers hope that in a few days, those interested in astronomical research will get the opportunity to do full research here. It will become a full-fledged space research center with the participation of renowned astronomical researchers from home and abroad.
Benu, the founder of the observatory, also said that there will be necessary equipment, computers, a library, and accommodation for space researchers. There will also be many facilities for astrophotography.
Anyone will be bound to be impressed with the mankara craftsmanship of the astro courtyard here. In addition to practicing astronomy, there will also be facilities for training in archery, mountaineering, and flying, he said.
He added that Dipen Bhattacharya, Maksuda Afrus Khuki and other Bangladeshi Astor scientists are affiliated with this observation.
Benu led the research, observation, and celebration of all astronomical events in the past-independence of Bangladesh.
Through the Astro observatory, Benu hopes that students from public and private universities and colleges will be able to conduct regular space observation and research with NASA, CNSA, the European Space Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency through the Astro observatory.
There are also plans to install a radio telescope at the observatory, he said.
“Benu Vita” is about 80 bighas of land adjacent to Bagher Bazar in Sreepur Upazila of Gazipur.
Benu is also president of the Astro division of Anushandhitshu Chokro and the Bangladesh Astro Foundation. Those organizations operate the Astro Observatory.
