SpaceX Hails Bangladesh’s Swift Support for Starlink Launch

VP Lauren Dreyer praises government efficiency; Prof. Yunus outlines digital health and education goals for remote regions

Dhaka : SpaceX Vice President Lauren Dreyer has lauded Bangladesh’s remarkable efficiency and decisiveness in facilitating the launch of Starlink satellite internet services in the country. Her remarks came during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna, according to a release from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.

“We operate in 150 countries and territories, but we have never encountered such coordinated support and prompt action. On behalf of my colleagues at SpaceX, I extend our sincere appreciation. We look forward to working closely with your team,” Dreyer stated.

Professor Yunus welcomed Dreyer to Bangladesh and expressed gratitude for SpaceX’s engagement. Highlighting the seasonal context, he said, “It’s the monsoon — a beautiful yet challenging time with flooding and waterlogging. These challenges make reliable connectivity even more essential.”

He elaborated on the country’s pressing need for improved digital infrastructure in remote and underserved regions, particularly in the hill tracts. “These areas lack access to qualified teachers, schools, and medical services. We are aiming to introduce online education in 100 schools to bridge this gap,” Yunus said.

Focusing on healthcare, the Chief Adviser explained the government’s push for digital medical services. “We want people in rural and isolated communities to consult doctors online. Their medical history will be digitally stored to ensure continuity in care,” he said.

He emphasized how this initiative is especially valuable for women during pregnancy. “Often, women need male assistance to visit healthcare centers. With digital consultation, they can speak to doctors from the safety of their homes,” he noted.

Yunus also pointed out that Bangladeshi expatriates would benefit from this initiative. “Many hesitate to seek healthcare abroad due to language issues. With this system, they can connect with Bangladeshi doctors from anywhere,” he said. He encouraged SpaceX to help scale these models globally.

Dreyer expressed admiration for Professor Yunus’s holistic vision. “The approach you’re taking here can be an example for other nations. If it’s possible in Bangladesh, it’s possible elsewhere too,” she said.

She also praised his anti-corruption efforts. “Ensuring that public services reach the people is commendable. As someone who travels extensively, I understand the damaging effects of corruption. Leveraging technology for decentralised governance is a powerful solution,” she added.

Also present at the meeting were SpaceX’s Global Engagement Consultant Richard Griffiths, National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Special Assistant Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, and Executive Chairman of BIDA and BEZA, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun.