Illiteracy holds back 28% of urban Bangladeshis from internet access

The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) reports a national literacy rate of 77.7%, with urban areas showing a higher rate (84.8%) compared to rural areas (74.6%). 

However, a recent Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) study highlights a concerning disparity: 28% of urban dwellers, including those in Dhaka, remain offline due to illiteracy, while the figure is lower in rural areas at 19%.

Internet usage: Rural vs urban

The GSMA report, based on data from 12 low- and middle-income countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, reveals the following:

Mobile Internet Usage: 43% in urban areas versus 27% in rural areas.

Daily Internet Users: Only 40% of urban and 24% of rural populations access the internet daily.

Awareness: 75% of Bangladeshis are aware of mobile internet but face various barriers.

Key barriers to internet usage

Lack of Literacy and Digital Skills: Illiteracy remains a significant obstacle, especially in urban areas.

Cybersecurity Concerns: Many urban users avoid the internet fearing cybercrime.

High Costs: 

Rural users cite high smartphone and internet costs as major barriers (11%).

Urban users (8%) also find internet packages expensive.

Time Constraints: Some working individuals report they lack the time to use the internet.

Expert insights

Shahed Alam, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer of Robi, suggests policy reforms to boost internet adoption. He emphasised reducing mobile internet costs, noting that government policy adjustments could ease implementation for telecom operators.

The findings highlight a dual challenge for Bangladesh: addressing literacy gaps and reducing digital inequities through policy changes, cost reductions, and cybersecurity awareness. These steps are essential for ensuring that the benefits of connectivity reach all sections of the population.