Digital Divide Deepens Despite Rising Internet Use in Bangladesh: BBS Survey
A total of 53.4 percent of the country’s population uses the internet in Bangladesh, with 56.6 percent male users and 50.2 percent female users, according to findings from the “ICT Application and Usage” survey published by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) on Thursday, April 17. The survey was unveiled at the BBS auditorium in Agargaon in the capital Dhaka, highlighting a disparity-driven picture of the country’s digital reality.
Limited access to devices has emerged as a major barrier to digital inclusion. The survey reveals that only 3.6 percent of households in rural areas have access to computers, compared to 21.1 percent in urban areas. A similar gap exists in personal usage—only 5 percent of rural individuals use computers, while the figure rises to 25.6 percent in cities. Notably, a large portion of internet users possess only basic digital skills, primarily limited to “copy-paste” functions.
Regional analysis shows that internet usage is highest in the capital Dhaka, while Panchagarh records the lowest usage. In terms of computer access, Dhaka households lead, whereas Thakurgaon lags behind, further underscoring geographic digital inequality.
The survey also highlights a significant urban-rural divide in internet usage. While 75.7 percent of urban residents use the internet, the figure drops to 43.6 percent in rural areas, creating a gap of 32.1 percentage points—an evident challenge for achieving nationwide digital inclusion. Although mobile phone usage is widespread, ownership remains comparatively lower. While 88.4 percent of people use mobile phones, only 64.4 percent own a personal device. Meanwhile, computer usage remains limited at just 11.3 percent nationwide.
Household-level analysis confirms stark regional disparities in access to internet and technology. Dhaka offers the highest access, while Panchagarh remains at the bottom. Similarly, in computer usage, Dhaka leads while Thakurgaon remains the least advanced.
In terms of usage purposes, 64.4 percent of users searched for government job-related information over the past three months, while 49.8 percent accessed sports-related content. The use of social media and video content is also notably high.
However, progress in online shopping remains relatively slow. Only 11.6 percent of users reported making online purchases, indicating that the country’s digital economy still has significant room for growth.
In digital skills, users largely remain confined to basic functions. Copy-paste skills are present among 84.4 percent of users, making it the most common digital activity. However, more advanced digital competencies remain limited.
On a positive note, cyber security awareness shows some improvement. About 78.5 percent of users stated they were able to take necessary actions promptly when facing cyberattacks. However, risks persist—50.5 percent of users identified viruses and malware as the biggest threats while using the internet.
High internet costs have also emerged as a major barrier. According to the survey, 43.6 percent of citizens expressed reluctance to use the internet due to high expenses. Stakeholders believe that ensuring affordable internet access and improving digital skills will be essential to making digital services accessible to all.
DBTech/DHE/EK/OR
