INTERNATIONAL Literacy Day 2025 was observed on September 8 under the theme ‘Promoting literacy in the digital era.’ This theme resonates deeply with Bangladesh’s aspirations of becoming a Smart Nation by 2041. Literacy is no longer confined to the ability to read and write words on paper. In the 21st century, it encompasses the skills required to critically engage with information, navigate digital spaces, and participate meaningfully in social, political and economic life. In Bangladesh, where more than half of the population is under the age of 30 and mobile phone penetration exceeds 90 per cent, digital literacy is both an opportunity and a challenge. While the country has made impressive progress in raising basic literacy rates — from 35 per cent in 1991 to over 76 per cent today — the digital divide remains stark, particularly between rural and urban areas, men and women, and the rich and the poor.
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Evolving definition of literacy in digital age
TRADITIONALLY, literacy in Bangladesh has been measured by the ability to read and write simple sentences. However, in the digital era, this definition falls short. True literacy now includes the ability to search, evaluate, create and share digital content responsibly. For instance, a young student in Dhaka may be able to browse the internet, but without digital literacy, she may struggle to distinguish between accurate information and misinformation. Similarly, a farmer in Kishoreganj using a smartphone to access crop price updates may face difficulties if he cannot navigate apps or interpret the data presented. Thus, digital literacy in Bangladesh should not only focus on access to devices but also on equipping citizens with critical thinking, problem-solving, and safe online engagement skills.
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Bridging the digital divide
BANGLADESH has invested significantly in expanding ICT infrastructure under its flagship Digital Bangladesh agenda. Over 13,000 Union Digital Centres now provide rural citizens with access to services such as e-learning, telemedicine and e-governance. The rapid spread of mobile internet has brought millions online, and young people are increasingly using digital platforms for education, employment and entrepreneurship. During the Covid pandemic, digital tools played a vital role in enabling remote learning and work. Yet, the crisis also exposed deep inequalities. Many students in rural and marginalised communities were left behind due to lack of devices, poor connectivity or absence of digital skills at home. This experience underscored that digital literacy cannot be treated as a luxury — it is essential for resilience and inclusion in today’s Bangladesh.
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Gender and digital literacy
WHILE women’s literacy in Bangladesh has improved remarkably over the past three decades, the digital gender gap remains a pressing issue. According to GSMA’s 2023 report, Bangladeshi women are 30 per cent less likely to own a smartphone than men, and even when they do, they often lack the confidence or skills to use digital platforms effectively. Cultural norms, affordability, and safety concerns further limit women’s digital participation. This exclusion is costly, as it denies women access to education, markets, healthcare and civic engagement. Addressing the digital gender gap requires targeted interventions — such as subsidised access to smartphones for women, community-based training programmes and awareness campaigns to challenge stereotypes about women’s use of technology. Without gender-sensitive approaches, the vision of a digitally literate Bangladesh will remain incomplete.
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Youth at the forefront of digital literacy
BANGLADESH is experiencing a demographic dividend, with two-thirds of its population under the age of 35. Young people are not only the most active users of digital platforms but also the drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship and social change. Initiatives such as the Learning and Earning Development Project and youth-focused freelancing hubs have created opportunities for young people to monetise their digital skills. However, challenges persist. Many young people can use social media effectively but lack advanced digital literacy skills such as coding, digital marketing, data analysis, or online safety awareness. To harness the full potential of its youth, Bangladesh must embed digital literacy into the national curriculum, expand vocational training, and foster partnerships between universities, tech companies, and government agencies.
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Risks of a digitally illiterate society
PROMOTING digital literacy is not just about creating opportunities — it is also about mitigating risks. Bangladesh has witnessed how misinformation and disinformation can spread rapidly on social media, fuelling communal tensions or undermining public trust. Without adequate digital literacy, citizens are more vulnerable to online scams, privacy breaches and cyberbullying. Children and adolescents, who are increasingly exposed to digital platforms, face heightened risks of exploitation and harmful content. Moreover, a digitally illiterate workforce risks being excluded from the future of work, where automation and artificial intelligence are reshaping industries. Thus, digital literacy must be recognised as a national security, social cohesion, and economic competitiveness priority.
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Policy and institutional frameworks
BANGLADESH has already made strides in integrating ICT into education through initiatives like multimedia classrooms and the Access to Information (a2i) programme. Yet, digital literacy policies often remain fragmented and unevenly implemented. For instance, while urban schools may have access to computers and trained teachers, rural schools frequently lack even basic electricity or internet connectivity. A coordinated national digital literacy framework is needed — one that sets clear standards, provides adequate resources and ensures inclusivity. Partnerships between the Ministry of Education, Ministry of ICT, civil society organisations and private sector actors will be essential to scale solutions effectively.
Digital literacy must be accessible to all, particularly marginalised groups. For rural farmers, this could mean training in mobile-based agricultural apps. For garment workers, it could involve using digital financial services to manage wages. For persons with disabilities, inclusive design and assistive technologies can open new pathways to participation. Libraries, community centres, and NGOs can serve as hubs for lifelong digital learning. Importantly, literacy programmes must also be delivered in Bangla, with user-friendly content that reflects the cultural and social realities of diverse communities across the country.
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Role of media and civil society
MEDIA outlets in Bangladesh play a dual role in the digital literacy ecosystem. On one hand, they can amplify awareness by creating campaigns on safe and responsible online behaviour. On the other, they must strengthen their own standards of professionalism to combat fake news and disinformation. Civil society organisations have long been at the forefront of literacy movements in Bangladesh and can now adapt their expertise to digital contexts — by providing grassroots training, advocating for inclusive policies, and acting as watchdogs of digital rights. Together, media and civil society can create an enabling environment where digital literacy is linked not just to skills, but to citizenship and democratic participation.
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International partnerships
BANGLADESH does not need to navigate the digital literacy challenge alone. Partnerships with global institutions such as UNESCO, UNICEF and the World Bank can provide technical expertise, funding, and innovative models from other countries. However, solutions must be nationally owned and context-specific. International donors can catalyse change, but long-term success depends on building sustainable systems within Bangladesh. The vision of ‘Smart Bangladesh 2041’ will only be realised if investments in digital infrastructure are matched by investments in digital literacy — making citizens not just passive consumers of technology, but active shapers of the digital era.
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Literacy for empowerment in digital age
LITERACY in the digital era is not optional — it is essential. A literate citizen of Bangladesh today must be able to decode both printed words and digital content, navigate the complexities of online spaces, and use technology responsibly for learning, livelihood and civic engagement. Promoting digital literacy requires a whole-of-society approach, involving government, private sector, civil society, academia and citizens themselves. It is about ensuring that a student in Rangamati has the same digital opportunities as one in Dhaka, that women have equal access to digital skills as men, and that every citizen can participate meaningfully in Bangladesh’s digital future.
Bangladesh has always been a nation that values literacy, from the spirit of the Language Movement to the drive for universal education. In the digital era, this legacy must be redefined and expanded. By embracing digital literacy, Bangladesh can empower its people, strengthen its democracy and unlock new horizons of prosperity.
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Musharraf Tansen is a doctoral researcher at the University of Dhaka.
