Yunus approves licence for Starlink to operate in Bangladesh
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus approved the license for US-based Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) satellite service provider Starlink on Monday, April 28.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) had issued guidelines for NGSO Satellite Services Operators on March 25, under which Starlink Services Bangladesh applied with the necessary fees and documents. The decision to grant the license was finalized at the BTRC’s 294th commission meeting on April 21.
Starlink becomes the second South Asian country after Sri Lanka to welcome the global satellite internet provider.
Faiz Ahmed Tayyab, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, highlighted the context: “Starlink’s entry was a public demand following repeated internet shutdowns by the autocratic Sheikh Hasina government during the July uprising. The Chief Adviser also wanted to signal that Bangladesh is investment-friendly.”
Tayyab explained that Starlink addresses critical gaps in Bangladesh’s internet infrastructure, particularly in remote haor, baor, mountainous, and coastal disaster-prone areas where fibre optic networks are absent. “The Chief Adviser urged SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to launch Starlink operations within 90 days. BIDA, BTRC, the Ministry, and the Chief Adviser’s Office collaborated to make this happen,” he said.
Starlink promises uninterrupted high-speed internet, immune to disruptions from load shedding that often affect local ISPs and mobile networks.
Tayyab noted, “Currently, 65% of telecommunication towers in Bangladesh lack fiber connectivity, relying on limited-capacity microwaves. Mobile network coverage, capacity, and highway mobility are also inadequate. Starlink will resolve these issues.”
He added that Starlink’s entry will foster competition in the mobile and broadband market, transforming traditional voice and data services into a digital service-centric model. “This will deregulate the communications industry, boost competition, and ensure quality high-speed internet access nationwide,” Tayyab said.