Bangladesh (Commonwealth Union)_ Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has extended an official invitation to Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, to visit Bangladesh and launch the Starlink satellite internet service in the country within the next 90 working days. Yunus made the announcement on February 19, sharing his message with the public through a post on X. In his invitation, Yunus highlighted the immense potential of the Starlink network for Bangladesh, particularly for the country’s young population, who are expected to be the primary beneficiaries of this cutting-edge technology.
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The statement read, “In a letter to Musk on February 19, the chief adviser mentioned that Musk’s visit would offer him the chance to meet Bangladeshi youth who would benefit greatly from this leading technology.”. Starlink, the satellite internet network developed and operated by SpaceX, has already made a significant impact in many regions of the world by providing high-speed internet in areas where traditional broadband services are either unavailable or too expensive. The service uses a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver connectivity, which can revolutionize internet access in underserved and rural communities.
Earlier, on February 15, Yunus shared a post on X revealing his discussion with Elon Musk about the potential collaboration to launch the Starlink service in Bangladesh. “Had a great meeting with Mr. @elonmusk. We agreed to work together. Hoping to launch Starlink in Bangladesh soon,” Yunus wrote, signaling that the discussions had progressed in a positive direction. Further building on this, Yunus held an extensive video conversation with Musk, during which they explored future collaboration opportunities. The aim was to continue making headway toward introducing Starlink to Bangladesh. Yunus also extended an invitation to Musk to visit Bangladesh to officially mark the service’s launch, emphasizing the national importance of such an initiative.
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Musk responded affirmatively to the invitation, saying, “I look forward to it.” The conversation between Yunus and Musk underscored the potential of Starlink’s satellite communications to create transformative changes in Bangladesh, especially for its young and entrepreneurial population, as well as vulnerable women and remote communities. The two leaders discussed how the high-speed, low-cost internet connectivity offered by Starlink could bridge the digital divide in Bangladesh. They highlighted how it could empower sectors such as education, healthcare, and economic development, particularly in rural and underserved regions. Moreover, Starlink would provide millions of small and micro-entrepreneurs in Bangladesh with unprecedented access to global markets, opening doors to a wider world of opportunities.
Yunus expressed his belief that integrating Starlink into Bangladesh’s infrastructure would not only benefit millions of people but also help the country to become more closely connected to the global digital economy. “This collaboration will bring new opportunities for people in Bangladesh and drive the country’s digital inclusion,” Yunus said. “It would be a major step forward in unlocking the potential of technology-driven social and economic growth for both Bangladesh and the world.” Furthermore, Yunus drew a connection between Starlink and the pioneering work of Grameen Bank, which he founded, and Grameen Phone, both of which have played vital roles in connecting rural communities, particularly women and youth, to the world. Yunus stated that Starlink’s satellite service would expand upon these initiatives, creating new avenues for global women and kids and fostering global entrepreneurship.
In response, Musk praised the Grameen Bank model, acknowledging its success in alleviating poverty globally. He also expressed his belief that technologies like Starlink could further support economic empowerment and financial inclusion, building upon the legacy of Grameen Bank and Grameen Village Phone. The invitation from Yunus to Musk marks a pivotal moment for Bangladesh, potentially transforming its digital landscape and enhancing the lives of millions across the nation. The anticipated launch of Starlink could pave the way for the country’s integration into the global digital economy, creating new opportunities for its people.
