Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser to the Government of Bangladesh, recently met with Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, to explore the possibility of launching Starlink, a satellite internet service, in Bangladesh. This collaboration could provide high-speed internet to millions of people across the country, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Yunus expressed his enthusiasm following the meeting, stating that he and Musk had agreed to work together on this promising project. “We agreed to work together. Hoping to launch Starlink in Bangladesh soon,” he wrote. This meeting followed a video discussion between Yunus and Musk on Thursday, where they delved into the details of Starlink’s potential to transform Bangladesh’s internet infrastructure.
Starlink, a satellite-based internet service developed by SpaceX, aims to provide fast and affordable internet connectivity to rural and hard-to-reach areas globally. During their conversation, both Yunus and Musk highlighted how Starlink could bridge the digital divide in Bangladesh, empowering rural women, young people, and small entrepreneurs. The service would bring affordable, reliable internet to areas where traditional broadband services are not available, opening up opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic development.
Yunus emphasized that the initiative could help integrate Bangladesh more deeply into the global digital economy. He also saw Starlink as an extension of the work done by Grameen Bank and Grameenphone, which pioneered efforts to connect rural communities, particularly women, to the world. By providing easy access to the internet, Starlink could further empower these communities, turning local entrepreneurs into global players.
Musk, who has long been aware of Yunus’ pioneering work with Grameen Bank and the Grameenphone model, praised the microfinance initiative’s global impact on poverty alleviation. He expressed his belief that technology, such as Starlink, could further fuel innovation and financial inclusion in Bangladesh.
As part of the discussions, Yunus invited Musk to visit Bangladesh for the launch of the Starlink service. Musk expressed excitement at the prospect, stating, “I look forward to it.” The meeting also included key figures from both sides, including Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh’s High Representative for the Rohingya Crisis, and Lamiya Morshed, Principal Coordinator for the SDGs.
This collaboration could mark a significant step forward for Bangladesh as it strives to harness technology to drive social and economic growth. By providing faster internet to rural and remote areas, Starlink could help Bangladesh’s youth and women access global opportunities, transforming the country’s digital landscape. This partnership also represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing the country’s digital divide and boosting its global competitiveness.
In addition to Yunus’ meeting with Musk, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India also recently held a series of discussions with Musk during his visit to the United States. These talks focused on expanding collaboration in emerging technologies, including space exploration and artificial intelligence, showcasing the global significance of Musk’s ventures and their potential to transform economies worldwide.
As the discussion between Yunus and Musk progresses, the people of Bangladesh eagerly await the possibility of having better access to the digital world. The collaboration between these two influential figures could be a game-changer for the country’s future, fostering greater innovation and empowering its people.
