Starlink officially launches in Bangladesh with BSCL as national reseller

A joint press conference was held on Friday at Hotel InterContinental, Dhaka, to officially launch Starlink services in Bangladesh. It was announced that Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) will act as the official reseller of Starlink in the country.

Foyez Ahmed Tayyab, Special Assistant to the Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Chief Advisor, confirmed the announcement in response to journalists' questions. The event was also attended by Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Global Business Operations at SpaceX, and Richard Griffiths, Director of International Strategy and Government Relations.

Mr Tayyab emphasised that no future government will have the arbitrary power to isolate the public from the world. He revealed that a new law is being drafted to prevent monopolistic government control over internet shutdowns and will soon be enacted.

Recalling the digital blackout exactly one year ago, he said the then authoritarian government's internet shutdowns caused widespread suffering, including mass arrests, killings, and human rights violations. He added that Bangladesh has now entered a new era where internet access is recognised as a fundamental right, not a luxury.

Starlink services will provide high-speed internet to remote, hard-to-reach, and underdeveloped areas, supporting education, healthcare, e-commerce, remote employment, and the growth of digital entrepreneurs.

In a written statement, Lauren Dreyer said, "Bangladesh is a country that has demonstrated how bold and visionary leadership can turn technology into reality. Discussions began in February, approvals were completed in May, and today the service is live — such rapid progress is rare globally."

She added, "Starlink is not just technology; it is a means of transformation that will enhance quality of life through rural education, telemedicine, remote work, and the digital economy."

Starlink will operate in collaboration with BSCL and other local partners.

Other attendees at the press conference included Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor; Zahirul Islam, Secretary of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology (Routine Duties); Shish Haydar Chowdhury, Secretary of the ICT Division; Major General (Retd.) Md Emdadul Bari, Chairman of BTRC; Dr Imadur Rahman, Managing Director of BSCL; and Md Aslam Hossain, Managing Director of Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company PLC (BSCCPL).