SpaceX Vice President (VP) Lauren Dreyer has lauded the Government of Bangladesh for its efficiency and prompt coordination in facilitating the launch of Starlink services in the country, calling it one of the smoothest experiences the company has seen globally.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Friday, Dreyer remarked, “We operate in 150 countries and territories, and the level of efficiency and decisiveness we’ve experienced in Bangladesh is unparalleled.
On behalf of everyone at SpaceX, I extend our deepest appreciation. We are eager to continue working closely with your team.”
Professor Yunus welcomed Dreyer and highlighted the country’s unique challenges during the monsoon season, including flooding and waterlogging, which underscore the urgent need for reliable connectivity.
“There is a critical connectivity gap in our remote hill tracts, where access to quality education and healthcare remains limited,” said Yunus. “We are working to introduce online learning in 100 schools to support students in isolated areas.”
The Chief Adviser also emphasized the government's focus on inclusive healthcare through digital services, allowing remote communities to access medical consultations and securely store their health records online.
“Pregnant women, for instance, often face barriers to visiting doctors. With telemedicine, they can get the care they need from home,” he added. “Even our overseas workers will benefit—many avoid doctors abroad due to language difficulties. With this system, they can speak directly with Bangladeshi doctors from anywhere in the world.”
Dreyer praised these efforts as models of innovation and governance. “Professor Yunus’s work is setting an example that can inspire leaders elsewhere. If it can be done here, it can be done anywhere,” she said.
She also acknowledged Yunus’s initiatives to combat corruption and decentralize services through technology. “As someone who travels extensively, I’ve seen how damaging corruption can be. Leveraging technology to deliver services transparently is a powerful strategy,” Dreyer added.
Others present at the meeting included SpaceX Global Engagement Consultant Richard Griffiths, National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and IT, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, and Executive Chairman of BIDA and BEZA, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun.
