The Digital Divide: Rural Bangladesh Cannot Be Left Behind
While Dhaka celebrates its first unicorn and 5G rollout, 42 million rural Bangladeshis still lack reliable internet access. Bold policy is needed to close the gap before it hardens into permanent inequality.
On the day ShopBD became Bangladesh's first tech unicorn, a woman farmer in Netrokona was travelling two hours by boat to submit a government form — one that has been available online for three years.
The Numbers Tell the Story
While Dhaka's digital economy buzzes, 42 million rural Bangladeshis — 25% of the population — have no reliable internet access. In haor areas, connectivity is seasonal, dropping off completely during monsoon floods. In Chittagong Hill Tracts, coverage reaches less than 12% of the area.
What's at Stake
Without bridging this divide, Bangladesh's digital economy will become a tale of two nations: an urban, connected upper-middle class and a rural, disconnected majority. The economic gains of digitalisation will accrue to those who are already ahead.
Solutions That Work
Low-earth orbit satellites (Starlink is already negotiating with BTRC), community Wi-Fi under the Aspire to Innovate programme and solar-powered mobile towers in haor areas can collectively bring connectivity to 40 million more Bangladeshis by 2028 — if the political will exists.
Comments (1)
Leave a Comment
Excellent reporting! This is exactly the kind of in-depth analysis we need.