Despite the government’s pro-digital approach, 54 percent rural households in Bangladesh do not have access to internet, a new study shows, as experts fear the ‘digital divide’ could hinder e-governance progress. According to the research findings unveiled Sunday, 59 percent of them do not have access to a smartphone and 49 percent have no access to computers. The study, carried out by BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD), surveyed 6,500 rural households across the country to develop a Digital Literacy Index (DLI) that illustrates the current state of digital literacy in rural Bangladesh.
Despite the government’s pro-digital approach, 54 percent rural households in Bangladesh do not have access to internet, a new study shows, as experts fear the ‘digital divide’ could hinder e-governance progress. According to the research findings unveiled Sunday, 59 percent of them do not have access to a smartphone and 49 percent have no access to computers. The study, carried out by BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD), surveyed 6,500 rural households across the country to develop a Digital Literacy Index (DLI) that illustrates the current state of digital literacy in rural Bangladesh.
