Dhaka, November 02, 2023 – The Inclusive Digital Future baseline survey report on digital inclusion for vulnerable communities was launched at GP House, Dhaka, yesterday, resulting from a partnership between Telenor, Plan International Bangladesh, Grameenphone, and Plan International Norway. The launch aimed to share survey results that highlights the behavior, challenges, and needs of eight hard-to-reach or marginalized communities. The project's ambition is to train 2.3 million people by its completion by 2024. This landmark event united a diverse array of stakeholders from government, academia, international and non-governmental organizations, partner implementors, and research institutions, underscoring its significance.
This groundbreaking project's explicit goal is to boost digital literacy and internet safety for Bangladesh's most marginalized and vulnerable groups. It commenced with a comprehensive baseline survey that delved into the current situations, needs, and aspirations of these communities.
Chief Guest Mr. Mohammad Navid Safiullah, Additional Secretary from the ICT Division, emphasized the need to equip citizens for the fourth industrial revolution, stating, "To cope with the fourth industrial revolution, we have to build digitally equipped smart citizens. So that the smart citizens will have their own solution in their hands."
Kabita Bose, the Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh, highlighted the importance of digital awareness as a national necessity and outlined their systematic approach through research, training, campaigns, and knowledge dissemination.
Dr. Tania Haque, a Professor from the University of Dhaka, and Rasheda K. Chowdhury, the Executive Director of CAMPE Bangladesh, underlined the significance of the Baseline survey findings in advancing gender equality and women's economic empowerment.
Yasir Azman, the Chief Executive Director (CEO) of Grameenphone, reaffirmed their commitment to empowering marginalized communities and women through strategic partnerships, ensuring positive change that leaves no one behind, in collaboration with stakeholders like Plan International and UN agencies.
This diverse assembly collectively delved into the findings of the baseline survey, exploring the most effective strategies for enhancing online safety and digital literacy in marginalized communities. This wasn't just a digital transformation; it is a journey, focusing on the young girls and youth who are critical for the country’s future.