Digital Drive for Gender Equality Marks World Telecom Day 2025

The World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025 has been celebrated on May 17 across the globe, including in Bangladesh, with the theme "Digital Innovation for Gender Equality." As in previous years, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) hosted the event with vibrant festivities, this time organizing the program within its own premises.

In his welcome speech at the main discussion session, BTRC Chairman Major General (Retd.) Md. Emdad Ul Bari highlighted key statistics about the country's digital progress. “There are currently 186.5 million mobile subscribers and more than 130 million internet users in the country, including over 14 million fixed broadband subscribers,” he said.

He also noted significant gender gaps in digital participation: “Women make up only 20 percent of participants in the ICT sector, 15 percent in e-commerce, 30 percent in call centers, and 10 percent in ICT leadership roles. Among the population, 52 percent use the internet, but only 29 percent of women access it via mobile phones.”

Addressing the root challenges of digital inequality, he said, “To bring about transformative digital change, we must eradicate social prejudices, promote digital literacy for women, offer affordable devices and internet packages, and raise awareness about cyberbullying.” He stressed that with collective efforts, BTRC is committed not only to inclusive development but also to building a sustainable telecommunication sector.

In a video message, International Telecommunication Union Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin remarked, “Access to every technological benefit is a universal right. We are committed to establishing a digital future where equal opportunities for all are ensured.”

Shish Haider Chowdhury, ICT Division Secretary, said in his special remarks, “The existing gaps in digital transformation have already been identified, and the current government is working through numerous reform programs, including tackling the digital divide. Empowerment must be based not only on equality but on equity.”

Mahbuba Farzana, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, pointed out, “Women in Bangladesh are still lagging behind in the field of information technology. Currently, only 30 percent of women are studying technology-related subjects.” She emphasized the need to advance women-friendly technology education, increase digital literacy, and make digital education more inclusive.

In his closing remarks, Md. Zahirul Islam, Secretary (In-Charge) of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, said, “Digital transformation is not just about technological progress or connectivity. It must be truly inclusive and sustainable to achieve gender equality.” He added, “Digital education for women, cyber security, and access to affordable devices and internet are crucial. Women constitute half of the country’s population and played a leading role in the July uprising. The initiatives undertaken for World Telecommunication and Information Society Day will help raise awareness about this year’s theme.”

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Advisor to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, served as the chief guest of the event.