Dhaka: The USA-based satellite internet service provider Starlink has received approval from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) to operate in the country. BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun shared the information at a press briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy in the city.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chowdhury Ashik mentioned that BIDA granted the approval on the 29th of last month. Starlink, utilizing its low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology, aims to provide high-speed internet in regions where traditional broadband infrastructure is limited or non-existent. This development reflects the growing interest from global tech giants in Bangladesh’s digital infrastructure sector, as the nation continues to position itself as an emerging destination for investment and innovation.
Earlier, on February 13, Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus engaged in a detailed telephonic discussion with Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, to explore future collaboration and advance the introduction of Starlink’s satellite internet services in Bangladesh. Last month, several Bangladeshi firms entered into agreements with Starlink to support the establishment of ground earth stations in the country, with these contracts being signed during a visit by a Starlink team to Bangladesh.
On March 23, Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun announced at another press briefing that Starlink would conduct a demonstration of its internet services during the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025. However, he clarified that this would solely be a demo and not the commercial launch, which will require more time.