Starlink gets nod to launch in Bangladesh

Starlink, a US-based satellite internet provider owned by billionaire Elon Musk, has received formal approval from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) to begin operations in Bangladesh — a move hailed as a step forward in bridging the digital divide.

 The go-ahead was given to the SpaceX subsidiary on March 29, said Ashik Chowdhury, executive chairman of Bida and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza).

 "This is a significant milestone. Starlink's entry will not only enhance internet connectivity across hard-to-reach areas but also showcase Bangladesh as an emerging tech-forward economy," he said.

 Chowdhury shared the information at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka yesterday. The event was organised to announce the schedule of the four-day Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, which begins in the capital today.

 Using a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites, Starlink aims to deliver high-speed internet to rural and remote regions where traditional fibre-based infrastructure is not feasible.

 The initiative is expected to particularly benefit communities in areas like the Chattogram Hill Tracts, char areas, and border regions that have long faced connectivity challenges, experts said.

 The Bida executive chairman noted that Starlink would provide satellite-powered internet during the four-day investment summit, giving both local and international participants a chance to experience the service firsthand.

 "This is more than just internet connectivity — it's a symbol of the modern, connected Bangladesh we are building," he added.

 Industry insiders and digital economy experts have welcomed the move, saying Starlink's presence could open the door for further investments in smart infrastructure, digital governance, and rural entrepreneurship.

 Bangladesh has witnessed a surge in digital adoption over the past decade, but last-mile connectivity has remained a significant barrier to inclusive growth.

 With nearly 50 million people still lacking reliable access to the internet, Starlink's entry could help close that gap.

 The Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 will host over 700 delegates from more than 40 countries, including global investors, venture capital firms, development partners, and non-resident Bangladeshis.

 The event is being viewed as a platform to reshape Bangladesh's investment narrative and showcase sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals and agro-processing to renewable energy and ICT.

 Further details about Starlink's commercial rollout and service pricing in Bangladesh are expected to be announced during the summit.

 "This is just the beginning," Chowdhury said. "Bangladesh is open for business — and now, more connected than ever."