Dhaka, April 29, 2025 — Bangladesh has officially granted a license to Elon Musk’s Starlink, paving the way for the satellite internet provider to begin operations in the country. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus approved the license on Monday, following a recommendation from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) .
This move positions Bangladesh as the second South Asian nation, after Sri Lanka, to authorize Starlink’s services. The decision comes amid growing demand for reliable internet connectivity, especially in remote and disaster-prone regions where traditional infrastructure is lacking.
Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, highlighted the significance of Starlink’s entry: 
“One of the primary goals is to ensure uninterrupted, high-quality internet services in hard-to-reach regions such as haor areas, islands, remote hilly regions, and disaster-prone coastal zones where fiber-optic connectivity is still absent,” Taiyeb stated . 
He further noted that approximately 65% of Bangladesh’s telecom towers are not connected to fiber networks, relying instead on limited-capacity microwave links. Starlink’s satellite-based service is expected to address these connectivity challenges, providing consistent internet access even during power outages and in areas with inadequate infrastructure. 
The licensing process began with Starlink’s application to the BTRC on April 7, under the “Guidelines for Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Satellite Services Operators in Bangladesh.” Following a thorough evaluation, the BTRC approved the application in its 294th commission meeting on April 21 and forwarded it to the Chief Adviser’s office for final approval .  
Lauren Dreyer, Vice President for Global Engagement at SpaceX, confirmed that technical operations are set to commence in May. “We’re very close to the finish line. I’ve asked my team to be fully ready for a technical launch by May,” Dreyer said .  
Starlink’s entry is anticipated to enhance competition in Bangladesh’s broadband market, potentially transforming traditional service models and fostering a more digital service-centered approach. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of positioning Bangladesh as an investment-friendly destination and advancing its digital infrastructure. 
With this development, Bangladesh takes a significant step toward bridging the digital divide, ensuring that even its most remote regions have access to reliable, high-speed internet.