Elon Musk’s Starlink has officially launched its satellite-based internet service in Bangladesh, making it the second South Asian country, after Bhutan, to gain access to the company’s high-speed, low-latency internet. The rollout was announced on X (formerly Twitter), with Starlink confirming that nationwide coverage is now available.
The cost structure for users in Bangladesh includes a setup fee of 47,000 Bangladeshi taka and a monthly subscription fee of 4,200 taka. This makes it a premium option compared to traditional broadband services, but its reliability and reach in remote or underserved regions offer significant value.
The move has received strong backing from Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who had invited Elon Musk to bring Starlink to Bangladesh during a meeting in February. Dr. Yunus pushed for the service to be deployed within 90 working days, citing the urgent need for uninterrupted internet access, particularly during periods of political unrest. The 2024 internet blackout amid student-led protests highlighted the vulnerability of conventional networks and the need for a more resilient digital infrastructure.
Starlink’s arrival is expected to enhance connectivity for youth and women, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas, aligning with Bangladesh’s digital inclusion goals. By offering access in places where fiber optics and mobile networks are unreliable, Starlink is positioning itself as a transformative force in the country’s tech landscape.
The Bangladesh launch is part of Starlink’s broader global expansion. The company now operates in over 70 countries and is awaiting regulatory clearance to begin services in India, a much larger market that could significantly impact regional connectivity trends.
With its launch in Bangladesh, Starlink reinforces its vision of bridging the global digital divide, while offering a critical communication lifeline in politically sensitive or disaster-prone regions.
