Closing digital divide towards a robust monetary growth

Information and Conversation Technology (ICT) gets the power to support the nation to meet the challenges in the current global marketplace. It is important for the persons of the country to change their frame of mind towards the creation of ICT to raise the economy's growth. For some time now, Bangladesh possesses been trying to be an ICT-driven country and has adopted many technologies to handle multiple issues - hunger, malnutrition, illiteracy, discrimination, and much more.

On the other hand, according to a report by simply ActionAid Bangladesh in 2020, only 50 % of the households in cities have access to the internet whereas, significantly less than 30 % of homes in rural areas have it. The issue of ICT achieving a minority population isn't limited by Bangladesh only, nonetheless it is also a difficulty for the world. By January 2021, only 59.5 per cent of the global people has internet access. It is creating an electronic divide globally, incorporating Bangladesh, especially through the Covid-19 pandemic. The term 'digital divide' refers to a gap between persons who have usage of ICT and those who do not have access or are restricted to it. The gap is harmful to any economy as it stops societies from using the full benefits associated with ICT.

Currently, the gap has already been harming the nation. For instance, children without access to the internet are bearing the responsibility of the digital divide through the era of distance education. It is jeopardising their education and near future, besides creating inequalities. The gap is also stopping numerous persons from taking advantage of ICT prospects like freelancing or SMEs (small and moderate enterprises).


SMEs play a essential role in adding to the expansion of the market. The pandemic had taken a extreme hit on the work sector of the globe, including Bangladesh. Not just that, the crisis in addition has impacted the SME market too. According to Potential of Business, 50 per cent of the SMEs acquired shut down between January and May 2020.

Due to the digital gap, different SMEs cannot switch to online systems, unlike other large businesses. Multiple SMEs have previously changed to online systems; however, most are struggling because they either do not have proper knowledge about the navigation program or don't have access to the web itself. Without accurate direction and technical know-how, it could be daunting for business owners to operate their online business. Thus, it is vital to enhance digital expertise among everyone, specifically the youths and the indegent.

Fortunately, numerous organisations nationwide have already been trying to market the penetration of SMEs. Compared to that end, Daraz has created different ways for SMEs to change to online systems and conveniently reach localized and global markets. Going to empower entrepreneurs in the united states, Daraz promises simplified answers to accelerate digital transformation, concurrently supporting SMEs for their growth. Daraz also provides retailers loan conveniences from Tk 0.1 million to Tk 4.0 million, depending on the business requirements, allowing SMEs to take the first actions to accomplish their growth goals. In addition, multiple telecommunication companies are trying to offer enterprises with connectivity answers to meet emerging connectivity needs.

Moreover, numerous persons who are stuck in their homes through the pandemic or perhaps have lost their jobs contain opened their businesses through online systems. Many of these businesses have already grown to be powerful, top rated them to available physical retailers and hire people. Other powerful enterprises are hiring people to control online operations. All these boost the financial growth, which is beneficial for the country, at least through the crisis.

Thus, it is sharp that ICT creates unlimited opportunities for people nationwide, in fact it is vital for the country to increase its penetration. The web has become among the primary and necessary infrastructures of the environment. According to Globe Economic Forum, each more 10 per cent of internet penetration gets the power to rise per capita GDP expansion by 1.2 per cent found in emerging countries, like Bangladesh.

It really is commendable that the government and multiple corporations have been functioning towards the creation of ICT and have previously been successful in numerous projects. Digitalisation will gasoline the economy further. Hence, to further accelerate the procedure, both public and exclusive sectors have to make certain robust digital infrastructure and offerings to close the digital gap. The network providers need to be cost-effective, and smartphone penetration needs to increase substantially.

Both public and private sectors have to work together to create digital skills and offer training to the people, especially the youth, to tackle future challenges. Finally, they have to foster public and financial equality within the overall economy, since it is very possible for few businesses to consider advantage of the web and create monopolies available in the market.

ICT is a robust device, and closing the digital divide will play a crucial role in Bangladesh's development, especially through the pandemic and post-COVID. It could increase social and financial equality, favour social flexibility of people, innovation, and boost monetary growth. Additionally, ICT can help the SMEs and lower illiteracy, poverty, malnutrition, discrimination, unemployment, and many more.