Dhaka: Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb announced today that the Starlink initiative could lead to the creation of a new generation of entrepreneurs known as 'WiFi ladies,' drawing inspiration from the 'phone lady concept' introduced by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Taiyeb made these remarks during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Taiyeb emphasized that through Starlink, companies and financial organizations could foster entrepreneurship among rural women by offering them the opportunity to sell internet services. This could be facilitated by utilizing microcredit, EMI, or other financial systems. He proposed that financial institutions or NGOs could provide special loans to rural women, enabling them to participate in this digital enterprise.
Taiyeb elaborated that beyond traditional settings, informal co-working businesses could also participate in this initiative. The government, he assured, would support Starlink entrepreneurs by facilitating access to loans from microcredit authorities, financial organizations, or banks. Additionally, plans are underway to develop a financial package tailored for civic service entrepreneurs to facilitate the adoption of Starlink services.
He noted that the government has crafted Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) regulations to ensure that Starlink and similar internet services are entrepreneur-friendly. Entrepreneurs, either individually or collectively, could form a fund of Taka 47,000 to purchase an internet setup box, which would then allow them to offer internet services to local shops or community members.
The press briefing also featured Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.