Elon Musk and Mohammed Yunus held a high-profile web meeting this week, sparking discussions on how Starlink could revolutionise digital access and economic development in Bangladesh and beyond. While details of their conversation remain undisclosed, the timing suggests a strategic alignment between Musk’s vision for global connectivity and Yunus’ long-standing mission to empower underserved communities through technology and finance.
Starlink is not just a technological marvel—it is a geopolitical and economic force. By bypassing traditional telecom monopolies, it offers unrestricted internet access in politically volatile regions and has the potential to reshape digital economies worldwide. Beyond its technical achievements, Starlink aligns with the interests of three distinct yet influential figures: Elon Musk, President Donald Trump, and Mohammed Yunus, now serving as Chief Advisor to Bangladesh’s interim government. Each, in his own way, stands to benefit from Starlink’s ability to provide high-speed, low-latency internet anywhere on the planet.
The question now is: Will Starlink transform Dhaka and beyond, or will geopolitical challenges stand in its way?
Elon Musk: The Technological Emperor
For Musk, Starlink is more than just another venture under the SpaceX umbrella—it is a strategic asset that grants him an unprecedented level of global influence. The service's ability to provide internet access in remote and politically unstable regions has already made it a key player in international affairs. In Ukraine, Starlink’s deployment reinforced its role as a crucial military and civil communications tool. In the Middle East, where traditional internet infrastructure can be throttled or controlled by authoritarian regimes, Starlink’s potential is immense.
Financially, Starlink represents Musk’s attempt to turn SpaceX into a revenue-generating behemoth capable of funding Mars colonisation and deeper space exploration. With the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approving Starlink for in-flight and maritime connectivity, its commercial applications are set to rival, if not surpass, Musk’s other ventures. The bigger the Starlink network, the stronger Musk’s leverage over global telecommunications, cybersecurity, and defence infrastructure. He becomes a power broker in the digital age, wielding influence on par with major governments.
Moreover, Musk has positioned himself as a vocal critic of radical ideologies, including radical Islam. His takeover of Twitter (now X) underscored his commitment to reducing censorship, which has led to contentious debates about tackling Islamist extremism online. While Musk has not explicitly framed his concerns solely around radical Islam, his broader push against ideological censorship has made him an adversary of movements that promote authoritarian or violent ideologies. The rise of radicalism, coupled with increasing attacks on minorities in regions such as South Asia and the Middle East, highlights the need for an independent internet platform like Starlink that cannot be easily manipulated by extremist factions.
President Trump: America First in Space and Communications
A second Trump presidency would likely embrace Starlink as an essential component of America’s technological supremacy. During his first term, Trump championed the creation of the Space Force, recognising the increasing militarisation of space. Starlink fits neatly into this vision. In an era where China’s growing influence in telecom—especially through Huawei’s 5G networks—threatens American dominance, Starlink offers a viable counterweight. It ensures that the United States retains control over critical digital infrastructure, preventing adversaries from exploiting communication blackouts and cyber vulnerabilities.
Furthermore, Starlink aligns with Trump’s America First doctrine by reducing reliance on foreign internet infrastructure and bolstering national security. Its role in ensuring free speech also resonates with Trump’s political base. If traditional platforms can de-platform dissenting voices, an independent, satellite-based internet provider could offer an alternative resistant to political and corporate pressures. A Trump-endorsed Starlink could become a rallying point for those seeking uncensored digital spaces, free from big tech's overreach.
Mohammed Yunus: A Digital Lifeline for the World's Poor
Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina, Mohammed Yunus now serves as Chief Advisor to Bangladesh’s interim government. His leadership comes at a critical time as Bangladesh seeks to stabilise its political environment and redirect its focus toward economic development and technological advancement. In this capacity, Yunus can leverage Starlink as a foundational pillar in rebuilding the nation’s economic infrastructure, ensuring digital inclusion, and fostering entrepreneurship on a national scale.
For Yunus, the architect of microfinance and a lifelong advocate for economic empowerment, Starlink provides an unparalleled opportunity to uplift the world's unbanked and underserved populations. His economic philosophy hinges on access—whether to credit, education, or market opportunities. By bringing high-speed internet to remote villages, Starlink shatters the digital divide that has long been an obstacle to grassroots entrepreneurship.
Consider the impact of stable internet access on rural Bangladesh or sub-Saharan Africa, where traditional broadband infrastructure remains woefully inadequate. With Starlink, small businesses can access digital banking, farmers can tap into global markets, and telemedicine can reach communities previously excluded from quality healthcare. Yunus' dream of a financially inclusive world, where microloans empower the disenfranchised, is amplified by the digital connectivity that Starlink facilitates.
However, Yunus has faced criticism for not upholding the values he championed during the Monsoon Revolution. His association with economic liberalisation has been scrutinised, with detractors arguing that the benefits have not reached all segments of Bangladeshi society. But with Starlink, Yunus has a unique opportunity to relaunch and rebrand Bangladesh as a leader in digital inclusion and economic innovation, shifting the focus away from the country's messy and violent politics.
Moreover, Starlink strengthens the hands of those resisting government censorship and economic restrictions. As seen in Iran, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, governments frequently resort to internet shutdowns to stifle dissent. Starlink provides an alternative—a censor free, independent network that ensures activists, journalists, and entrepreneurs can operate without state interference.
India and Bangladesh: A New Era of Cooperation Through Starlink?
The introduction of Starlink in South Asia presents an opportunity for increased cooperation between India and Bangladesh. Both nations have struggled with infrastructural challenges in providing reliable internet access to rural populations. With Starlink, cross-border digital connectivity could see unprecedented growth, enabling joint initiatives in e-commerce, education, and healthcare.
Furthermore, improved internet access through Starlink could facilitate better communication and collaboration on counterterrorism efforts, river monitoring, addressing shared security concerns such as radicalization and cyber threats. While India and Bangladesh have had historical tensions, a mutually beneficial technological partnership could ease diplomatic strains and promote regional stability.
India just wants a peaceful neighbourhood. Indian diplomats want regional cooperation and development being at the forefront of ties with Bangladesh. But Bangladesh’s immature rhetoric, cynical attitude to Hindu persecution, and NatSec bodies openly flirting with acquiring nuclear weapons has many worried in New Delhi. India does not want a Pakistan 2.0 next door. Yunus has to take some responsibility for breakdown in relations and fix those problems.
The Convergence of Interests
At first glance, Musk, Trump, and Yunus seem like an unlikely trio. Yet, their interests intersect at the core of what Starlink offers: control, empowerment, and strategic advantage. For Musk, it’s about expanding his technological empire. For Trump, it’s about maintaining America’s dominance in communications and security. For Yunus, it’s about breaking the barriers that keep the world’s poor disconnected and economically stagnant.
As the Starlink network continues to expand, so too will its implications on global politics, commerce, and human rights. Whether in Silicon Valley boardrooms, the White House Situation Room, or a microfinance office in Dhaka, the message is clear—Starlink is not just about the internet. It’s about power. And those who understand this are already positioning themselves to harness its full potential.
Yunus does need a lifeline. Political parties in Bangladesh are itching for elections. Yunus wants desperately needed reforms. Starlink could give him extra time. Â