Bangladesh Approves Elon Musk’s Starlink Amid Rising US Tariffs

Bangladesh has officially granted a license to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service, marking a significant step towards enhancing digital connectivity in the country. The Starlink launch will be showcased during a government-backed investment summit in Dhaka starting Monday.

The announcement was made on Sunday by Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud, chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), who confirmed: “We granted them approval.” According to Mahmud, the licence was issued on March 28, a few days before former US President Donald Trump announced a new tariff policy.

The timing is critical as Bangladesh’s vital garment export sector faces fresh challenges. The US tariff hike has increased duties on Bangladeshi cotton exports from 16% to 37%, sparking fears of economic impact on one of the country’s biggest industries.

The inclusion of Starlink is seen as part of Bangladesh’s broader push to attract foreign investment and digital infrastructure, even as trade headwinds mount. The satellite internet service could play a key role in bridging connectivity gaps, especially in remote and underserved regions.

With tensions in global trade rising, Bangladesh’s dual approach of expanding technological partnerships while managing tariff shocks will be closely watched.

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