GP plans to reach 4 million with digital inclusion initiative 

Grameenphone (GP) has launched the second phase of its "Digital Inclusion for Marginalized Communities" programme in partnership with Plan International Bangladesh and Telenor, aiming to reach four million people from marginalised communities by 2028. The launch, held in Dhaka on July 30, marked the completion of the programme's first phase.

According to GP, the first phase reached more than 3.3 million people across 32 districts, with women and girls accounting for about 68 percent of beneficiaries. The second phase will increase the share of female beneficiaries to 70 percent while expanding support to eight vulnerable communities.

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At the event, Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam said Bangladesh's digital transformation should be inclusive and ensure equal opportunities for women, young people, persons with disabilities, transgender people and other marginalised communities. 

The minister also urged mobile network operators, including Grameenphone, to address consumer concerns over call drops, network quality and the cost of voice and data packages. He said operators should place equal importance on customer interests alongside business growth by ensuring affordable, reliable and high-quality telecommunications services.

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Maj Gen Md Emdad Ul Bari said meaningful connectivity extends beyond network coverage and requires digital literacy and the safe use of technology. He described the initiative as an example of how collaboration between different sectors can help narrow the country's digital divide.

Yasir Azman, Grameenphone's chief executive officer, said the second phase would introduce new learning modules on climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods while placing greater emphasis on youth economic empowerment. 

As per GP, the first phase contributed to increased use of online education, government services, mobile financial services and digital income-generating activities among participating communities.