Mobile phones are gateways to enhanced skills and safety in Bangladesh: Telenor Asia study

• 8 in 10 are positive about future impact of AI on education
• Growing availability and accessibility of free AI tools in Bangladesh gaining popularity in the workplace
• 1 in 2 mobile internet users in Bangladesh say they feel safer with a mobile phone, significantly higher than Thailand, Malaysia or Singapore.

Mobiles are enabling people in Bangladesh to live a smarter life – helping them gain new skills, improve social connectivity, and increase their personal sense of safety. In the era of AI-integrated devices, 9 in 10 mobile internet users in Bangladesh also report that they use AI tools on their mobile phone, highlighting how rapidly the country's digital landscape is evolving.

These findings from Telenor Asia's latest Digital Lives Decoded (Bangladesh) report, launched today, paints a vivid picture of a nation leveraging mobile technology and tapping into new technology like AI. The report, which focuses on how mobile connectivity is shaping smarter and safer lives in Bangladesh, highlights that mobile phones are not just communication tools but powerful gateways to smarter lives, reads a press statement.

"Mobile connectivity is a fundamental prerequisite for a digitally enabled Bangladesh and for powering economic growth. Our collective priority should be to work together to ensure that people are given the access and skills to harness mobile technology in a safe and responsible manner. Together, we can expand digital connectivity while building a smarter and safer digital ecosystem," Md Abu Bakar Siddique, Vice Chairman of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), says.

"Mobile technology, with the growing integration of AI, has the potential to transform and revolutionise various sectors in Bangladesh, from education to healthcare. Telenor Asia, together with Grameenphone, are proud to have helped lay a strong foundation for mobile connectivity in Bangladesh. We are glad that this has enabled better digital lives across the country, as the survey respondents have expressed," Manisha Dogra, Senior Vice President and Head of External Relations & Sustainability at Telenor Asia, says.

"In this evolving digital landscape, there are tremendous opportunities to strengthen digital services and improve digital literacy, which can be unlocked by building digital skills around AI and online safety. Telenor Asia remains committed to supporting Bangladesh's digital journey and ensuring that the benefits of mobile technology are accessible to all," she added.

1.     Mobile use is contributing to smarter and safer digital lives in Bangladesh

Increased access to online learning, mobile wallets and navigation capabilities are some of the ways the mobile phone has enabled people in Bangladesh to live a smarter life.

They are more likely than counterparts in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand to cite access to online learning as a key benefit, with more than 6 in 10 saying so. Similarly, educational resources such as online courses and learning apps are hugely popular among at least 1 in 2 (53%) of respondents.

The mobile phone has also improved the sense of safety for a significantly greater proportion of people in Bangladesh (52%) than in other markets surveyed: Thailand (37%), Malaysia (31%) or Singapore (28%). The main reasons for this are the ability to call for help and contact emergency services (64%), being able to share location with family or friends (58%) and secure mobile payment options instead of carrying cash (57%).

2.     Online safety continues to be imperative, with emerging concerns around new threats of identity theft and deepfakes

As the digital landscape evolves in Bangladesh, concerns around new threats of identity thefts and deepfakes have emerged. 7 in 10 mobile internet users – have also expressed worry about the security of their online accounts. Bangladesh also stands out for heightened concerns about network attacks: 3 in 10 say this is a top concern, versus just 1 in 5 in Singapore and Thailand, and even fewer in Malaysia.

However, respondents in Bangladesh currently lag behind other markets in adopting online safety practices. They are less likely to unsubscribe/opt out of lists, clear their browsing history/cache, decline website cookies, or use ad-blockers. This, combined with their comparatively high trust in websites, highlights a critical need for continued training and education to enhance digital literacy and foster safe online behaviours.

3.     AI is emerging as a trend in education and the workplace

Enthusiasm for AI in Bangladesh is growing, with 6 in 10 in mobile internet users expressing excitement about the possibilities and efficiency that AI can bring to their daily lives. 8 in 10 are also positive about AI's impact on education in particular, signalling the potential for AI to play a pivotal role in making education more accessible and adaptable to different learning needs.

The growing availability and accessibility of free AI tools in Bangladesh is becoming popular in the workforce. However, the findings also point to a gender gap in the adoption of these tools, with only a third of women (37%) using AI at work, compared to almost half of male mobile internet users (47%).    

While AI offers numerous opportunities, some concerns have emerged, with more than 3 in 10 (37%) expressing worry about AI affecting their job security. Avid users of AI also express greater concern about using AI in data handling, due to a lack of transparency in how data is used and shared and extensive data collection without clear consent. Addressing privacy issues through transparent and robust data protection policies is crucial for its continued acceptance and use. Greater education is also needed around the trustworthiness and limitations of the AI-generated information.

Tanveer Mohammad, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Grameenphone, concludes, "As the use of AI and mobile continues to grow in Bangladesh, the transformative power of connectivity and its immense potential for driving progress is clear. At Grameenphone, we are imparting essential digital skills and fostering online safety awareness through initiatives such as Grameenphone Academy, GP Accelerator and Future Nation. By prioritising education and ensuring high standards around responsible use of technology, together we can ensure people are able to navigate the digital landscape confidently and securely."