The two discuss future cooperation and progress on launching Starlink satellite internet in Bangladesh
Published : 14 Feb 2025, 01:52 AM
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has held a video call with Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and the head of SpaceX and Tesla, to explore future collaboration and introduce Starlink satellite internet service to Bangladesh.
The meeting between Dubai and Washington, DC, was announced in a media statement from the Chief Advisor’s Office on Thursday night.
During the discussion, the two exchanged views on potential future cooperation and the progress of launching Starlink satellite internet services in Bangladesh.
“Starlink will be an extension of the pioneering work of Grameen Bank and Grameenphone in connecting rural women and youth to the world,” Yunus said.
The chief advisor also invited Musk to visit Bangladesh.
During the video call, they discussed the transformative impact of Starlink’s satellite communications on Bangladesh’s economy, focusing on youth, rural women, and remote communities.
They explored how high-speed, low-cost internet could bridge the digital divide, boosting education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for underserved regions and enabling millions of small and micro-entrepreneurs to access global markets.
Yunus said integrating Starlink into Bangladesh’s infrastructure would create new possibilities for millions and connect the country more closely to the global digital economy.
He expressed enthusiasm for working alongside Musk to unlock the full potential of technology-driven social and economic growth in Bangladesh and beyond.
“Starlink would be an extension of Grameen Bank and Grameenphone pioneering of connecting village women and young people to the world,” Yunus said.
“They would become global women and kids and global entrepreneurs,” the chief advisor added.
Musk praised the Grameen Bank microfinance model, recognising its global impact on poverty alleviation.
The Tesla Motors chief said he had been familiar with the work of both Grameen Bank and Grameen Village Phone for many years.
He noted that technological advancements like Starlink could further drive innovation, economic empowerment, and financial inclusion in Bangladesh.
Yunus invited Musk to visit Bangladesh for the potential launch of Starlink services, highlighting its importance for national development.
“I look forward to it,” Musk said.
Yunus is currently in the United Arab Emirates to attend the World Governments Summit. Alongside participating in the event, he is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with heads of state and government from other countries.