Starlink receives BIDA approval to operate in Bangladesh

The USA-based satellite internet service provider Starlink has received approval from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) to operate in the country.

BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun on Sunday shared the information at a press briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy in the city.

Responding to a question, Chowdhury Ashik said BIDA gave the approval on the 29th of last month.

With its low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology, Starlink aims to offer high-speed internet in regions where traditional broadband infrastructure is limited or non-existent.

The move also signals growing interest from global tech giants in Bangladesh's digital infrastructure sector, as the country continues to position itself as an emerging destination for investment and innovation.

Earlier on 13 February, Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus held an extensive telephonic discussion with Elon Musk, chief executive officer of SpaceX, to explore future collaboration and advance the introduction of Starlink's satellite internet services in Bangladesh.

Last month, several Bangladeshi firms signed agreements with Starlink to support the establishment of ground earth stations in the country. These contracts were signed during a visit by a Starlink team to Bangladesh.

On 23 March, Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun announced at another press briefing that Starlink would conduct a demonstration of its internet services during the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025.

However, this will only be a demo and not the commercial launch, which will take more time.