Dr. Yunus speaks to Elon Musk, urges him to bring Starlink to Bangladesh

ZOOMBANGLA DESK : Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, on Thursday urged billionaire tech tycoon Elon Musk to introduce the Starlink satellite internet service in Bangladesh.

Nobel laureate Yunus, who is currently in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, attending a summit, made the request during a video conversation with Elon Musk, owner of SpaceX, Tesla, and X.

During their conversation, Professor Muhammad Yunus and Elon Musk emphasised the transformational impact of Starlink’s satellite communications, particularly for Bangladesh’s enterprising youth, rural and vulnerable women, and remote communities.

They discussed how high-speed, low-cost internet connectivity could bridge the digital divide in Bangladesh, empowering education, healthcare, and economic development in underserved regions, and providing millions of small and micro-entrepreneurs with access beyond the national boundary.

Professor Yunus extended an invitation to Elon Musk to visit Bangladesh for the potential launch of Starlink services, highlighting the significance of this initiative for national development.

Musk responded positively, saying, ‘I look forward to it,’ according to the statement.

Professor Yunus stated that integrating Starlink’s connectivity into Bangladesh’s infrastructure would create new opportunities for millions and bring the country closer to the global digital economy.

He also expressed his enthusiasm for working alongside Musk to unlock the full potential of technology-driven social and economic growth in Bangladesh and beyond.

Professor Yunus explained that Starlink would complement the pioneering work of Grameen Bank and Grameenphone in connecting village women and young people to the world.

‘They would become global women and children and global entrepreneurs,’ he said.

Elon Musk, in turn, praised the Grameen Bank microfinance model, acknowledging its global impact on poverty alleviation.

Tech entrepreneur Musk said he had been familiar with the work of both Grameen Bank and Grameen Village Phone for many years.

He expressed his belief that leveraging technological advancements such as Starlink could further drive innovation, economic empowerment, and financial inclusion in Bangladesh.