GP targets 4m marginalised people in digital inclusion drive by 2028

Grameenphone, in partnership with Plan International Bangladesh and Telenor, has launched the second phase of its digital inclusion programme, aiming to bring 4 million people from marginalised communities into the digital ecosystem by 2028.

The initiative, titled "Digital Inclusion for Marginalized Communities", aims to address gaps in internet access and mobile usage in Bangladesh by focusing on digital skills, youth economic empowerment, climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.

The second phase was launched at an event in Dhaka today (30 July), attended by Faqir Mahbub Anam, minister for posts, telecommunications and information technology, as chief guest.

Since its launch, the programme has reached more than 3.3 million people across 32 districts, with women and girls making up around 68% of beneficiaries, according to Grameenphone.

Under the new phase, the partners aim to increase the share of women beneficiaries to 70% and expand support to eight vulnerable communities, including women, girls, people with disabilities and other groups facing barriers to digital participation.

Speaking at the event, Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman said the second phase would build on the achievements of the first by introducing new learning modules and placing greater emphasis on economic empowerment.

"Digital inclusion creates opportunities for people to learn, earn and thrive," he said.

He said the programme would help young people develop skills needed to participate in the digital economy while supporting communities in building climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.

The first phase of the initiative resulted in increased use of digital services for education, online government services, mobile financial services, digital birth registration and income generation, according to the organisers.

Speaking at the event, Maj Gen Md Emdad Ul Bari, chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), said the government is working to expand 4G coverage in rural and underserved areas.

He said the recently conducted auction of the 700 MHz spectrum band would help mobile operators improve connectivity in villages and areas with limited network access.

Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam urged telecom operators to expand services beyond commercially attractive locations and improve service quality.

Highlighting public complaints over call drops and data packages, he said operators must focus on consumer interests alongside business objectives.

"Business needs to be profitable, but at the same time you have to think about the people of Bangladesh," he said.

Kabita Bose, country director of Plan International Bangladesh, said technology could become a powerful tool for equality if people have safe and meaningful access to digital services.

The event also featured a panel discussion with representatives from Plan International Bangladesh, GSMA, Telenor Asia and Grameenphone on collaboration to advance digital inclusion in Bangladesh.