Starlink officially launched in Bangladesh

In a major development for Bangladesh's digital transformation, US satellite internet major Starlink was officially launched in the country on Friday.

Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, made the announcement at a press conference held at the boardroom of Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka at 5:30 pm on Friday, July 18.

A high-level delegation from Starlink, led by Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Business Operations, and Richard Griffiths, Director of International Strategy and Government Relations, was present at the event.

The occasion not only marked the entry of next-generation satellite internet but also held significant political and emotional importance, as it coincided with the first anniversary of the country's nationwide internet shutdown under the previous regime.

Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Global Operations at Starlink and a long-time SpaceX executive, commended the government of Bangladesh for its visionary leadership in enabling rapid deployment of Starlink.

"While many nations deliberate, Bangladesh acted," Dreyer told journalists and dignitaries. "By embracing connectivity as a foundation for human potential, you have positioned your nation as a model for others to follow."

She noted that within just a few months of dialogue, regulatory approvals were finalised by May 2025, and the first Bangladeshi users were online shortly after.

Starlink, already operational in nearly 150 countries, brings high-speed, low-latency satellite internet-especially vital for a geographically diverse country like Bangladesh where many remote or disaster-prone areas remain underserved by traditional infrastructure.

"This is not just about satellites," Dreyer said. "We are launching opportunities-for remote learning, telemedicine, digital entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth."

She also acknowledged the contributions of local partners, including Felicity IDC and Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited, emphasising that long-term success depends on collaboration between global innovators and domestic stakeholders.

The event took on added gravity with the remarks of Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser overseeing the Ministry. His speech reflected on the nation's traumatic digital shutdown exactly a year ago and projected Starlink's launch as a moment of liberation.

"Exactly one year ago, at this very hour, Bangladesh was pushed into digital darkness," Taiyeb said.

"The internet was shut down under the former regime, and in that blackout, the nation witnessed unspeakable tragedies-mass arrests, killings, and widespread violations of human rights. Thousands of voices were silenced, and many dreams died in silence."

He continued: "Today, we mark a new beginning. With the actual launch of Starlink in Bangladesh, we are sending a clear message: Never again will any government hold the unchecked power to disconnect our people from the world."

Declaring uninterrupted internet as a fundamental right, not a privilege, Taiyeb said the launch was about "freedom, resilience, and economic empowerment" and would empower every sector-from farmers and students to entrepreneurs and doctors-through digital connectivity.

"We owe this to those who were silenced, arrested, murdered. To those who sacrificed. We owe this to the next generation. Today, Bangladesh is connected-and it will never be disconnected again," he declared.

Replying to question, he said some issues related to Vat and tax on the devices and services are yet to be decided.

"Very soon it would be resolved," he said.

Taiyeb said they are in talk with Starlink whether it can provide internet to educational institutions at discounted prices.

He also expressed hope that with the launch of Starlink services, the internet prices will be competitive in Bangladesh.

Also present at the event were Richard Griffiths, Director of Global Policy and Government Relations at Starlink; Shish Haider Chowdhury, Secretary of the ICT Division; Zahirul Islam, Secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Division; and Mohammad Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser.

With this launch, Bangladesh joins a global network of digitally connected nations and takes a bold step toward bridging the urban-rural digital divide-ensuring that even the remotest corners of the country can access the opportunities of the 21st century.

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