FROM PAGE B1

Rehan Asif Asad, adviser to the prime minister for telecom and ICT, told The Daily Star that no country can achieve technological progress without strong connectivity, describing it as the foundation of economic growth.

He pointed to global research linking faster, more reliable networks with higher GDP growth.

He also highlighted Bangladesh’s weak fibre penetration compared with peer countries and inconsistent internet speeds even in Dhaka, stressing the need for region-specific solutions after reviewing the telecom landscape.

GENDER GAP IN DIGITAL ACCESS

The survey also found a gender gap in internet use and device ownership. The smallest gap is in basic mobile phone use, at 3.2 percentage points, with 90 percent of males compared to 86.8 percent of females.

The widest gap is in smartphone ownership, at 9.5 percentage points, with 50.1 percent of males versus 40.6 percent of females.

Internet use shows a 6.4 percentage point gap, with 56.6 percent of males compared to 50.2 percent of females.

AFFORDABILITY AND ACCESS BARRIERS

Affordability remains a major barrier to internet use, with 43.6 percent of respondents citing high subscription costs and 46.4 percent pointing to expensive equipment. These challenges affect rural populations more due to lower incomes and weaker digital infrastructure.

While mobile phone use is high at 88.4 percent, only 64.4 percent own a personal handset, showing widespread shared use. At the household level, 98.9 percent have a mobile phone, and 72.7 percent have a smartphone.