Elon Musk, the owner of SpaceX, Tesla, and X, and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus had a lengthy video conversation on Thursday to discuss potential future collaboration and to forward the launch of Starlink satellite internet service in Bangladesh.
According to the message received here, the meeting was attended by Lamiya Morshed, the Principal Coordinator of SDGs, and Dr. Khalilur Rahman, High Representative for the Rohingya crisis and priority issues, on the side of Bangladesh, and Lauren Dreyer, Vice President, and Richard Griffiths, Global Engagement Adviser, on the side of Space X.
In their discussion, Elon Musk and Professor Yunus emphasized the revolutionary effects of Starlink’s satellite communications, especially for Bangladesh’s rural and vulnerable women, isolated communities, and ambitious youth.
They talked on how fast, inexpensive internet access may help close Bangladesh’s digital divide by enabling economic growth, healthcare, and education in underprivileged areas and providing access to the country’s millions of small and microbusiness owners.
According to Prof. Yunus, adding Starlink’s connectivity to Bangladesh’s infrastructure would open up new doors for millions of people and bring the nation closer to the global digital economy.
He further expressed his enthusiasm for working alongside Musk to unlock the full potential of technology-driven social and economic growth in Bangladesh and the rest of the world.
Pro Yunus said Starlink would be an extension of Grameen Bank and Grameenphone pioneering of connnecting village women and young people to the world.
“They would become global women and kids and global entrepreneurs,” the Chief Adviser said. Elon Musk, in turn, praised the Grameen Bank microfinance model, acknowledging its global impact on poverty alleviation.
Musk, the Tesla Motors founder, said he was familiar with the work of both Grameen Bank and Grameen Village Phone for many years.
He expressed his belief that leveraging technological advancements such as Starlink could further drive innovation, economic empowerment, and financial inclusion in Bangladesh.
Prof Yunus extended an invitation to Elon Musk to visit Bangladesh for the potential launch of Starlink services, underscoring the significance of this initiative for national development, to which Musk responded positively.
“I look forward to it,” Musk said.
This engagement marks a significant step toward bringing advanced satellite connectivity to Bangladesh, fostering economic growth, digital inclusion, and innovation across the nation.
Both sides agreed to make speedy progress on this initiative and mandated High Representative Rahman, Ms. Dreyer and Mr. Griffiths to coordinate further work.
*
Email *
Website
