Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to Bangladesh interim government, engaged in an extensive video discussion on Thursday with Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX and owner of Tesla and X, to explore future collaboration and advance the introduction of the Starlink satellite internet service in Bangladesh.
Also present in the discussion were Dr Khalilur Rahman, High Representative for the Rohingya Crisis and Priority Issues, and Lamiya Morshed, Principal Coordinator for SDGs Affairs, alongside Lauren Dreyer, Vice President, and Richard Griffiths, Global Engagement Adviser, from the SpaceX delegation.
During their conversation, Professor Yunus and Elon Musk highlighted the transformative potential of Starlink’s satellite communication, particularly for Bangladesh’s enterprising youth, rural and vulnerable women, and remote communities.
They discussed how high-speed, low-cost internet connectivity could bridge the digital divide in Bangladesh, fostering advancements in education, healthcare, and economic development. This connectivity would also provide millions of small and micro-entrepreneurs with access to global markets beyond national borders.
Professor Yunus emphasised that integrating Starlink’s technology into Bangladesh’s infrastructure would open new opportunities for millions, strengthening the country’s integration into the global digital economy. He expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Musk to unlock the full potential of technology-driven social and economic progress in Bangladesh and beyond.
Professor Yunus stated that Starlink would extend the pioneering efforts of Grameen Bank and Grameenphone in connecting village women and young people to the world. “They would become global citizens, global entrepreneurs,” he remarked.
Elon Musk, in turn, praised the Grameen Bank microfinance model, acknowledging its worldwide impact on poverty alleviation. He noted his long-standing familiarity with the work of Grameen Bank and the Grameen Village Phone initiative.
Musk expressed confidence that leveraging technological advancements such as Starlink would further drive innovation, economic empowerment, and financial inclusion in Bangladesh.
Professor Yunus extended an invitation for Musk to visit Bangladesh for the potential launch of Starlink services, underscoring the significance of this initiative for national development. Musk responded positively, stating, “I look forward to it.”
This engagement marks a significant step towards introducing advanced satellite connectivity to Bangladesh, promoting economic growth, digital inclusion, and innovation nationwide. Both parties agreed to expedite progress on the initiative, assigning High Representative Rahman, Dreyer, and Griffiths to oversee further coordination.
