Within a nation where internet access is often a weapon against political domination, the winds of change are about to blow fresh air. Within three months, Bangladesh is likely to finalize a deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink, which could transform the face of digital freedom in Bangladesh. The interim leader of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus has announced that
within the next three months, the country will seal the commercial deal with Elon Musk’s satellite internet network owned by SpaceX, Starlink.
The agreement promises satellite-based internet with connectivity that would be free of interruption, perhaps bringing an end to government-imposed blackouts and ushering in a more open and resilient digital infrastructure. The agreement is meant to broaden access to the Internet across the country, thereby making its digital infrastructure more resilient in the face of political disruptions.
An Uninterrupted Connectivity
Yunus viewed Starlink as a major contributor to internet stability in Bangladesh. He emphasized that once the Starlink satellite-based Internet services are in place, no future government could impose restrictions on online access or lock its citizens out of the digital world. This comment comes on the heels of last year’s mass protests, when authorities were said to have temporarily suspended Internet and messaging services to control disorder. Yunus said in a televised speech to the nation ahead of Independence Day,
“If Starlink is launched, no government will have the ability to shut down internet access or lock citizens out of the digital world.”
Political and Economic Dilemmas
Securing Starlink is another step in the interim government’s wider economic and political effort. Bangladesh is dealing with an economic crisis characterized by a 9.32% inflation rate in February, the lowest in almost two years. Yunus has expressed confidence that the inflation rate will fall below 8% by June, implying the cautious optimism associated with continued challenges.
Yunus also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to conducting a national election between December 2025 and June 2026. Yunus said,
“Our goal is to ensure that the upcoming election is the most free, fair, and acceptable in the history of Bangladesh”.
Potential Consequences of the Starlink Deal
Starlink’s possible collaboration might represent a turning point for Bangladesh’s digital infrastructure, especially regarding remote and underserved areas with limited traditional broadband access. Using Starlink’s satellite technology would ensure that the country fosters greater digital inclusion, enhances economic opportunities, and promotes innovation. Regulatory approval, leveraging pricing, and integration with existing telecom providers are among the challenges. Meanwhile, the actual deal is to be finalized within three months; its successful implementation will depend on coordination among Starlink, the authorities of Bangladesh, and local telecom operators.
As Bangladesh envisions a more connected future, the entry of Starlink into its market reflects the general trend of countries aspiring to use satellite technology for digital empowerment. It sounds to me like the argument for the deal with Starlink is a pretty good idea of digital sovereignty, but it brings serious questions of its own. Is this technology going to empower citizens, or just bring more regulations? Under the post-Hasina era, the success of Starlink would heavily depend on the government’s commitment to having an open internet and creating a favorable environment where technological developments serve the public good. Starlink could change the digital landscape of Bangladesh, serving as a model for other countries suffering from internet censorship and political interference.
