Grameenphone, in partnership with Plan International Bangladesh and Telenor, has launched the second phase of its “Digital Inclusion for Marginalized Communities” initiative, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in Bangladesh’s digital transformation, a press release said.

The launch also marked the celebration of the achievements of the initiative’s first phase at an event held in Dhaka. The ceremony was graced by Faqir Mahbub Anam, MP, Hon’ble Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, as the Chief Guest. Maj Gen Md Emdad Ul Bari, OSP, ndc, psc, te (retd), Chairman of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), was also present as Special Guest. 

The event featured a keynote address by Farhana Islam, Head of Environment Social Governance at Grameenphone, and Tazriba Khurshid, Digital Inclusion Lead at Grameenphone, followed by a panel discussion on advancing digital inclusion for marginalized communities. The discussion brought together Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh; Gagandeep Manchanda, Senior Market Engagement Manager of GSMA; Manisha Dogra, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Telenor Asia; Tanveer Mohammad, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Grameenphone; and Farha Naz Zaman, Chief Marketing Officer of Grameenphone, who discussed the importance of cross-sector collaboration in building an inclusive digital future. 

The program concluded with an interactive conversation between Grameenphone Chief Executive Officer Yasir Azman and some beneficiaries of the initiative including Piyali Sinha, Shanu Aktar, Monalisa Akter Irene, and Antora Akter, who shared how the program has strengthened their digital skills and created new opportunities for learning, livelihoods, and participation in the digital economy.

Since its launch, the initiative has reached more than 3.3 million people across 32 districts, with women and girls accounting for around 68 percent of beneficiaries. Building on this success, the partners aim to reach 4 million people by 2028, with women making up 70 percent of beneficiaries. The first phase also recorded significant improvements in digital adoption, including internet use for education, access to online government services, mobile financial services, digital birth registration, and digital income generation across Bangladesh.

Faqir Mahbub Anam, MP, Hon’ble Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, said, “Bangladesh’s digital transformation must be inclusive. Initiatives like this complement the government’s vision by equipping marginalized communities with the digital skills they need to access opportunities, public services, and participate meaningfully in the digital economy. I am especially encouraged by the ambition of this next phase to reach people from eight vulnerable communities by 2028. This is a significant contribution towards ensuring that no community is left behind as we advance towards our goal of becoming a trillion-dollar economy by 2034, where empowering people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in the digital age will be just as important as investing in infrastructure and technology.” 

Maj Gen Md Emdad Ul Bari, OSP, ndc, psc, te (retd), Chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), said, “Meaningful connectivity goes beyond network coverage. It requires digital literacy and safe use of technology. This initiative by Grameenphone is a strong example of how collaboration can help bridge the digital divide.”

Yasir Azman, Chief Executive Officer of Grameenphone, said, “Digital inclusion creates opportunities for people to learn, earn, and thrive. The first phase has shown the transformative power of digital skills across underserved communities. Building on this momentum, Phase II expands our focus with new learning modules on climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods, while placing greater emphasis on youth economic empowerment to help more people build lasting economic resilience in an increasingly digital world.”

Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh, said, “Technology can be a powerful enabler of equality when everyone has the opportunity to access it safely and confidently. Through this partnership, we are empowering girls, young women, and marginalized communities with the digital skills they need to realize their rights, strengthen their resilience, and build brighter futures. Together, we are ensuring that no one is left behind in Bangladesh’s digital transformation.”