In a major development for Bangladesh's digital transformation, US satellite internet major Starlink was officially launched in the country on Friday.
Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, made the announcement at a press conference held at the boardroom of Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka at 5:30 pm on Friday, July 18.
A high-level delegation from Starlink, led by Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Business Operations, and Richard Griffiths, Director of International Strategy and Government Relations, was present at the event.
The occasion not only marked the entry of next-generation satellite internet but also held significant political and emotional importance, as it coincided with the first anniversary of the country's nationwide internet shutdown under the previous regime.
Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Global Operations at Starlink and a long-time SpaceX executive, commended the government of Bangladesh for its visionary leadership in enabling rapid deployment of Starlink.
"While many nations deliberate, Bangladesh acted," Dreyer told journalists and dignitaries. "By embracing connectivity as a foundation for human potential, you have positioned your nation as a model for others to follow."
She noted that within just a few months of dialogue, regulatory approvals were finalised by May 2025, and the first Bangladeshi users were online shortly after.
Starlink, already operational in nearly 150 countries, brings high-speed, low-latency satellite internet-especially vital for a geographically diverse country like Bangladesh where many remote or disaster-prone areas remain underserved by traditional infrastructure.
"This is not just about satellites," Dreyer said. "We are launching opportunities-for remote learning, telemedicine, digital entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth."
She also acknowledged the contributions of local partners, including Felicity IDC and Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited, emphasising that long-term success depends on collaboration between global innovators and domestic stakeholders.
The event took on added gravity with the remarks of Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser overseeing the Ministry. His speech reflected on the nation's traumatic digital shutdown exactly a year ago and projected Starlink's launch as a moment of liberation.
"Exactly one year ago, at this very hour, Bangladesh was pushed into digital darkness," Taiyeb said.
"The internet was shut down under the former regime, and in that blackout, the nation witnessed unspeakable tragedies-mass arrests, killings, and widespread violations of human rights. Thousands of voices were silenced, and many dreams died in silence."
He continued: "Today, we mark a new beginning. With the actual launch of Starlink in Bangladesh, we are sending a clear message: Never again will any government hold the unchecked power to disconnect our people from the world."
Declaring uninterrupted internet as a fundamental right, not a privilege, Taiyeb said the launch was about "freedom, resilience, and economic empowerment" and would empower every sector-from farmers and students to entrepreneurs and doctors-through digital connectivity.
"We owe this to those who were silenced, arrested, murdered. To those who sacrificed. We owe this to the next generation. Today, Bangladesh is connected-and it will never be disconnected again," he declared.
Replying to question, he said some issues related to Vat and tax on the devices and services are yet to be decided.
"Very soon it would be resolved," he said.
Taiyeb said they are in talk with Starlink whether it can provide internet to educational institutions at discounted prices.
He also expressed hope that with the launch of Starlink services, the internet prices will be competitive in Bangladesh.
Also present at the event were Richard Griffiths, Director of Global Policy and Government Relations at Starlink; Shish Haider Chowdhury, Secretary of the ICT Division; Zahirul Islam, Secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Division; and Mohammad Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser.
With this launch, Bangladesh joins a global network of digitally connected nations and takes a bold step toward bridging the urban-rural digital divide-ensuring that even the remotest corners of the country can access the opportunities of the 21st century.
In a major development for Bangladesh's digital transformation, US satellite internet major Starlink was officially launched in the country on Friday. Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, made the announcement at a press confer
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Dhaka North City Corporation administrator Mohammad Azaz on Saturday said that two bridges would be constructed over the Norai River to improve connectivity between Aftab Nagar and Banasree.
‘There is no alternative route for traveling from Aftab Nagar to Banasree other than the main road. Therefore, to improve convenience for the locals, at least two bridges will be constructed over the Narai River. These bridges will provide easy and direct connectivity between the two residential areas,’ he said.
While addressing as chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the Waste Cleaning and Tree Plantation Programme at Banasree Khalpar area organised by the Samamana Parishad with the overall support of the DNCC, he said that the proposed bridge will be called ‘Norai Bridge’.
‘The canal that we all know today as Banasree Canal was also a flowing Norai River in the ‘80s,’ he added.
The river was occupied by illegal encroachment and converted into a canal, he said, adding that the Water Development Board had already re-listed it as Norai River on the DNCC’s initiative.
He also said, ‘If this river can be saved, there will be a possibility of starting passenger transport services from Rampura to Sadarghat and Mirpur by waterways via Sitalakhya, Dhaleshwari and Balu rivers in the future.’
The DNCC administrator spoke about ongoing efforts to improve waste management, especially around Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara lakes with assistance from the World Bank.
Expressing his resentment over extortion in the waste management system and road encroachments, Azaz said that Dhaka’s waste management was being hampered due to extortion syndicates and it had become difficult to free the footpaths from encroachments.
Inaugurating the tree plantating programme at the event, he said, ‘It is not enough to just plant trees, we have to ensure their care for at least two to three years. Only then will it be possible to ensure a sustainable green environment.’
Stressing on the awareness of citizens about not throwing garbage in the canal, the administrator said, the participation of the citizens in the efforts to protect the canal is very important. ‘The city is ours, we have to protect its beauty and wellbeing.’
The programme was presided over by Samamana Parishad, Banasree president Md Shahbuddin Sikder.
Dhaka North City Corporation administrator Mohammad Azaz on Saturday said that two bridges would be constructed over the Norai River to improve connectivity between Aftab Nagar and Banasree...
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