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Grameenphone has launched the second phase of its “Digital Inclusion for Marginalized Communities” initiative, aiming to provide digital skills and access to digital services to 4 million people by 2028 as part of efforts to promote inclusive digital transformation in Bangladesh.
The programme is being implemented in partnership with Plan International Bangladesh and Telenor. The second phase was inaugurated at an event in Dhaka on Thursday, where the achievements of the first phase were also highlighted.
Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam attended the event as the chief guest, while BTRC Chairman Major General (Retd.) Md. Emdadul Bari was present as the special guest.
Speaking at the event, the minister said Bangladesh’s digital transformation would only be successful if no one was left behind. He stressed that expanding digital infrastructure alone was not enough and that equipping people with digital skills was equally important. He said initiatives like this would help connect marginalized communities to government services, education, employment opportunities and the digital economy.
The BTRC chairman said the digital divide is no longer limited to network coverage but also includes internet quality, device affordability, digital literacy and the safe use of technology.
He noted that although 98.9% of households are covered by mobile networks, only about 65% of the population uses mobile phones, while just 44% to 47% are regular internet users. Around 90% of internet users still rely on mobile broadband, highlighting a major structural challenge for the country’s digital infrastructure.
He also pointed to significant disparities in internet access, noting that usage exceeds 75% in urban areas but remains between 42% and 44% in rural areas, while people with disabilities continue to have significantly lower internet access.
Emdadul Bari said the government is expanding 4G coverage in rural areas through the allocation of 700 MHz spectrum and is also working on measures to improve service quality, lower smartphone prices, introduce installment payment facilities, assess the phased shutdown of 2G networks and strengthen digital literacy nationwide.
He emphasized the need to ensure that every household has at least one digitally skilled person and called for Union Digital Centers to be transformed into more effective online support and digital guidance platforms.
During the event, Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman interacted with several beneficiaries, who said the programme had improved their access to education, livelihoods, online income opportunities and government services through enhanced digital skills.
Grameenphone said the first phase of the initiative reached more than 3.3 million people across 32 districts, with nearly 68% of beneficiaries being women and adolescent girls. Under the second phase, the company aims to reach 4 million people by 2028, with women expected to account for at least 70% of the beneficiaries. The expanded programme will focus on digital literacy, mobile financial services, online government services, digital birth registration and income-generating opportunities through digital platforms.
