Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam visited the Bangladesh Survey Department (BSD) at Tejgaon. Photo: ISPR

DHAKA, July 28, 2026 (BSS) – Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam today stressed the importance of accurate and up-to-date mapping, describing it as a cornerstone of national development planning, infrastructure development, disaster management, border management and national security.

He made the remarks while visiting the Bangladesh Survey Department (BSD) at Tejgaon, where he called for greater use of surveying and geospatial technologies to support evidence-based planning and strategic decision-making.

“Strengthen the application of surveying and geospatial knowledge in training, develop indigenous digital mapping applications, and ensure the regular collection and analysis of updated information on strategically important areas,” he said.

The adviser also emphasised closer coordination among government agencies to facilitate the sharing and regular updating of geospatial information.

Director General of the Bangladesh Survey Department Brig Gen Mohammad Azizur Rouf received the adviser on his arrival, according to an ISPR press release issued here this evening.

During the visit, officials briefed the adviser on the department's key activities, including national map preparation and updating, international boundary surveys, geospatial data collection, satellite image analysis, and the preparation of Digital Elevation Models (DEM).

Dr Shamsul Islam directed the department to complete the Digital Elevation Models for Dhaka and Chattogram within the next four months before launching similar projects in Sylhet and Cumilla, said the ISPR.

“There is no alternative to data-driven planning for building a developed and secure Bangladesh. Accurate maps and modern geospatial information are indispensable tools for achieving that goal,” he said.

Defence Secretary Md Ashraf Uddin, senior officials and employees of the Bangladesh Survey Department were present on the occasion.