The Centre for Astronomy, Space Science, and Astrophysics (CASSA) at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) is the country’s first academic research center dedicated to astronomy. Researchers at CASSA are engaged in projects such as galaxy classification using machine learning, studying cosmic hydrogen, and analyzing intergalactic gas. Although not officially launched yet, the center is currently developing the Small Transient Array Radio Telescope (START)—a five-meter radio telescope featuring 25 antennas—in collaboration with the University of Otago, New Zealand. The structure is being assembled at the IUB Fab Lab, with electronic components sourced from New Zealand. Once operational, the telescope will enhance radio astronomy research and support academic programs at IUB.
Dr. Khan Muhammad Bin Asad, an observational astronomer and professor at IUB, highlighted that CASSA’s primary mission is to advance academic astronomy in Bangladesh through research, education, and outreach. At present, he is the only astronomer at the center, working alongside physicists, computer scientists, and engineers. "Our main focus is to enhance the capacity of our High Performance Computer and expand research by bringing in more astronomers who will explore new frontiers," he stated.
Dr. Asad initiated astronomy research at IUB in 2020 with two research grants, which eventually led to the establishment of CASSA. The university now offers a minor in astronomy and plans to introduce a master’s program in the future. While Bangladesh currently lacks undergraduate astronomy programs, Dr. Asad emphasized that students from physics, engineering, and computer science backgrounds can still pursue astronomy at the graduate level.
