CA Dr. Yunus and Elon Musk discuss introducing Starlink in Bangladesh

Dr. Yunus and Elon Musk Discuss Starlink Expansion in Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus held an extensive video discussion with Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX and owner of Tesla and X, on Thursday to explore future collaboration and advance efforts to introduce Starlink satellite internet in Bangladesh.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Khalilur Rahman, High Representative for the Rohingya crisis and priority issues; Lamiya Morshed, Principal Coordinator of SDG Affairs; Lauren Dreyer, Vice President at SpaceX; and Richard Griffiths, Global Engagement Adviser.

During the discussion, Prof. Yunus and Musk highlighted the transformative potential of Starlink’s satellite connectivity, particularly for Bangladesh’s youth, rural women, and remote communities. According to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, they emphasized how high-speed, low-cost internet could bridge the digital divide, empowering education, healthcare, and economic development while expanding opportunities for small and micro-entrepreneurs beyond national borders.

Dr. Yunus stressed that integrating Starlink into Bangladesh’s digital infrastructure would open new possibilities for millions, strengthening the country’s connection to the global economy. He expressed enthusiasm for working with Musk to maximize technology-driven social and economic growth in Bangladesh and beyond.

He further noted that Starlink would build upon Grameen Bank and Grameenphone’s legacy of empowering village women and young people through connectivity. “They would become global women, kids, and entrepreneurs,” he stated.

Elon Musk, in turn, praised Grameen Bank’s microfinance model, acknowledging its significant impact on poverty alleviation worldwide. He mentioned his long-standing familiarity with Grameen Bank and Grameen Village Phone and expressed confidence that advanced technologies like Starlink could further drive innovation, economic empowerment, and financial inclusion in Bangladesh.

Dr. Yunus extended an invitation to Musk to visit Bangladesh for the potential launch of Starlink services, emphasizing its importance for national development. Musk responded positively, saying, “I look forward to it.”

This engagement marks a major step toward expanding satellite internet in Bangladesh, fostering economic growth, digital inclusion, and innovation. Both parties agreed to accelerate progress on the initiative, assigning High Representative Rahman, Dreyer, and Griffiths to oversee further coordination.