SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service officially launched in Bangladesh on Tuesday, marking a significant step toward ensuring reliable and uninterrupted internet access across the South Asian nation—even amid political uncertainty.
The announcement comes as Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, continues to seek solutions to prevent future communication blackouts like those that occurred during mass protests last year.
“Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency internet is now available in Bangladesh,” the company posted on X (formerly Twitter), confirming the nationwide rollout.
Affordable Nationwide Packages
According to Yunus aide Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, monthly packages start at 4,200 taka ($35), with a one-time equipment cost of 47,000 taka for setup. He added via Facebook that this provides a “sustainable alternative for premium customers to get high-quality and high-speed internet services.”
Internet Resilience Amid Political Turmoil
Yunus, who took charge of the interim administration after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India amid escalating civil unrest in mid-2024, emphasized that the Starlink service ensures continuity even in times of political disruption. This is particularly vital for Bangladesh, which experienced widespread internet and SMS blackouts last July during protests.
A Global Expansion Strategy
Starlink’s arrival in Bangladesh is part of its broader mission to expand global internet coverage, particularly in underserved or politically unstable regions. The service is now active in over 70 countries, with a strategic focus on emerging markets like India, where demand for resilient infrastructure is surging.
Pakistan Still Awaits Approval
While Bangladesh has moved quickly to approve Starlink, neighboring Pakistan is yet to finalize its regulatory process for the service. The delay highlights regional disparities in digital infrastructure readiness and policy frameworks.
