Although 5G can provide speeds above 100 Mbps, expanding it nationwide would cost $3-$5 billion-an enormous burden for a country already struggling with 9.32% inflation. Starlink’s satellite terminals cost $549-$599 upfront, with monthly fees of $110-$120. While expensive, Starlink offers security for Bangladesh’s 670,000 freelancers (according to the ICT Division’s impact assessment report), many of whom lost income during the 2024 internet blackout. Unlike state-controlled ISPs, Starlink operates independently, making it an essential option for freelancers working with international markets.
Beyond personal use, Starlink could drive change in many sectors. During Cyclone Remal in 2024, more than 10,000 mobile towers went offline, disrupting emergency communications. Starlink’s satellite system, unaffected by local infrastructure damage, could provide a stable backup. In agriculture, poor rural connectivity has slowed the adoption of smart farming technologies. With Starlink’s coverage, the agri-tech industry could unlock an estimated $1.2 billion in growth. However, since Starlink is not under government control, its secure and independent network could challenge state policies, especially with ISPs like Teletalk facing censorship accusations. While it could improve access to information, it may also reduce government oversight.
“Starlink also has military implications. SpaceX denies that its technology is used for military purposes, but the potential for real-time intelligence and surveillance is clear. If the U.S. proceeds with arms sales to Bangladesh-including drones and missile systems-Starlink’s capabilities could enhance these technologies”
Starlink’s entry into Bangladesh is about more than just internet access-it has geopolitical implications. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel laureate with strong Western connections, including ties to the Clinton family, is not just looking at technology. By engaging Elon Musk, he is also signalling closer relations with the United States. SpaceX, Tesla, and X (formerly Twitter) represent U.S. tech dominance, and Bangladesh’s move mirrors India’s Bharti Airtel and Saudi Arabia’s $600 billion investments in the U.S. This could be a strategy to strengthen ties with a possible Trump administration.
China, which invested $4.2 billion in Bangladesh in 2024 (28% of its foreign direct investment), may see Starlink as a threat. If Bangladesh shifts toward U.S. technology, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) influence could weaken. India, concerned about China’s presence in the region, might quietly support Starlink as a counterbalance. However, since India’s own companies, Airtel and Jio, work with Starlink, it is likely to take a practical rather than confrontational stance.
Starlink also has military implications. SpaceX denies that its technology is used for military purposes, but the potential for real-time intelligence and surveillance is clear. If the U.S. proceeds with arms sales to Bangladesh-including drones and missile systems-Starlink’s capabilities could enhance these technologies. China, which supplies 72% of Bangladesh’s defence imports, might respond with restrictions on technology transfers.
Cybersecurity is another concern. Even with strong encryption, Starlink routes data through U.S.-based stations, making Bangladesh vulnerable to surveillance under U.S. intelligence laws. A 2024 Interpol report warned that satellite networks could be targeted by cyber-espionage, referencing Russian attacks on Starlink during the Ukraine war. Bangladesh already loses millions annually to cybercrime, and reliance on foreign-controlled infrastructure could expose it to election interference or data leaks.
Regulatory challenges add to the complexity. Without protections like Europe’s GDPR, Bangladesh risks losing control over its digital sovereignty, with user data potentially becoming a tool of global politics.
Starlink’s impact on Bangladesh could go in different directions. In a best-case scenario, it could help close the digital gap, connecting 20 million rural homes by 2030. This would boost freelance earnings by $5 billion by 2030 and increase GDP growth by 1.5% annually. However, there is also a risk that China could respond by pulling back from BRI projects, while India might tighten border security. Domestically, Starlink’s high cost could deepen economic inequality, making internet access even more of a privilege.
The biggest unknown is whether Starlink will be used for military purposes. If it becomes part of a geopolitical conflict, Bangladesh could find itself caught between the U.S. and China in a new tech cold war.
Yunus’s decision to adopt Starlink is both ambitious and risky. It could connect millions to the digital world, but it also raises political and security concerns. To minimise risks, Bangladesh must negotiate affordable access plans and introduce strict data protection laws. Without these safeguards, Starlink’s bright future could come with serious consequences for national security and sovereignty.
The writer is an Editor of Geopolits.com