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Bangladesh to Secure Starlink Deal for Nationwide Internet Access

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Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, announced on Tuesday that the country expects to finalize a commercial agreement with SpaceX’s satellite internet network, Starlink, within three months. The deal aims to provide reliable, uninterrupted internet services across the South Asian nation, ensuring that future political upheavals will not disrupt access.

Yunus, who took charge of Bangladesh’s government in August following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, highlighted that Starlink’s satellite-based technology would make it impossible for any government to block internet access or restrict citizens from the digital world. This comes after widespread protests in July 2024, during which authorities suspended internet and text messaging services across the country.

“If Starlink is launched, no government will have the ability to shut down internet access or lock citizens out of the digital world,” Yunus stated in a televised speech ahead of Independence Day. He also noted that inflation remains the government’s top challenge, though it had dropped to 9.32% in February, the lowest in 22 months, with hopes of reducing it below 8% by June.

Yunus confirmed that national elections will be held between December 2025 and June 2026, aiming for the most free, fair, and acceptable election in Bangladesh’s history.

Bangladesh Army Chief Pledges Support for Yunus’ Interim Government ‘Come What May’

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Bangladesh’s army chief, General Waker-uz-Zaman, has pledged full support for Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus’ interim government, which took power after the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Zaman vowed to back the administration “come what may” in order to achieve vital reforms and prepare the country for democratic elections within the next 18 months.

Zaman, who assumed the role of army chief shortly before Hasina’s departure, highlighted the military’s commitment to ensuring the interim government’s success in implementing judicial, police, and financial reforms. These reforms are viewed as essential to ensuring free and fair elections in Bangladesh, a country of 170 million people. Zaman stressed the importance of patience in this transition, estimating a timeline of one to one-and-a-half years for the full restoration of democracy.

Yunus, known globally as the founder of the microcredit movement, has taken charge of the interim government following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina in early August. Hasina stepped down after 15 years in power amidst widespread student-led protests against her government, leading to her fleeing to India. The protests, initially focused on public sector job quotas, escalated into a broader anti-government uprising, resulting in over 1,000 deaths—the bloodiest period in the country’s history.

Despite the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) calling for elections within three months of the interim government’s formation, Zaman emphasized the need for stability before rushing into elections. He noted that Yunus and the army are collaborating closely, with the military stepping in to maintain law and order as parts of the civil service, especially the police, remain non-functional following Hasina’s exit.

Bangladesh’s military, which has historically played a role in the country’s politics, is undergoing reforms under Zaman’s leadership. He is determined to distance the army from political interference, affirming his commitment to professionalism within the ranks. The military, which is also a significant contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, is reviewing allegations of misconduct by its personnel under the former government, with some already facing punishment.

The interim government has established a commission to investigate the disappearance of up to 600 people since 2009, reportedly abducted by security forces during Hasina’s tenure. Zaman also proposed reforms to change the constitutional framework, placing the military directly under the president instead of the prime minister, to ensure it is never used for political purposes again.

 

Student Dies in Bangladesh Protests, Sparking Nationwide Outcry and Calls for Justice

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On July 18, 25-year-old university student Mir Mahfuzur Rahman, known as Mugdho, was shot and killed during protests in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Mugdho had been actively distributing water to demonstrators when a bullet struck him in the forehead, leading to his death shortly after. His final moments, captured in a video showing him wiping tear gas from his eyes, went viral and galvanized further protests across the country.

The protests, which initially started as peaceful demonstrations against a government job quota system, escalated into a broader movement demanding the resignation of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The unrest led to a violent crackdown, resulting in at least 300 fatalities, according to local media reports. Amidst the chaos, Hasina fled to India, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus returned to Dhaka to form a temporary government and oversee upcoming elections.

Mugdho’s twin brother, Snigdho, along with their older brother Dipto, are now grappling with the loss. The twins had shared a close bond, studying and planning for a future together in Italy. In their grief, they hold onto Mugdho’s university ID card, a symbol of his sacrifice. Snigdho reflects on his brother’s impact, noting that Mugdho’s actions inspired many to join the protest movement.

The death of Mugdho followed the killing of another protester, Abu Sayed, on July 16. Amnesty International condemned the police for allegedly using unlawful force against Sayed. These events turned the student-led protests into a nationwide call for justice, with widespread participation from people of all backgrounds.

Amid the violence, UNICEF reported that at least 32 children have died in the clashes. The family of 13-year-old Mubarak, a victim of the violence, is struggling to cope with their loss. Mubarak’s mother, Fareeda Begum, mourns her son’s death while cherishing his memories through his TikTok videos. Mubarak had been helping his parents with their livelihood when he was caught in the crossfire.

The protests have evolved from a student-driven movement into a broader fight for justice, reflecting widespread discontent and demands for change across Bangladesh.