staff Reporter : Grameenphone Board of Directors, along with senior representatives from Grameenphone, Telenor Asia, and Plan International Bangladesh, visited Premtoli in Rajshahi to meet members of marginalized communities who are transforming their lives through digital empowerment under the joint initiative “Digital Inclusion for Marginalized Communities.”
Working in collaboration, Grameenphone, Telenor and Plan International Bangladesh, along with local implementing partners, have empowered over 3.3 million people across Bangladesh through digital literacy and online safety programs tailored to local needs. Since 2023, this initiative has enabled participants from marginalized communities to access e-commerce, essential government services, and mobile banking.
The delegation included Jon Omund Revhaug, Chairman of the Grameenphone Board of Directors and Head of Telenor Asia, along with members of the Grameenphone Board. Also present were Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh, and senior management representatives from the respective organizations.
During the visit, the delegation observed a live courtyard session where participants from ethnic communities engaged in interactive digital literacy activities. The team also heard inspiring impact stories from previous participants who shared how the program had helped them improve their lives and create new opportunities through digital inclusion.
Reflecting on the digital empowerment initiative, Jon Omund Revhaug, Chairman of Grameenphone Board of Directors and Head of Telenor Asia, said, “When people gain the skills to use technology, progress and opportunity follow. The stories from women and youth in rural Bangladesh highlight the transformative power of digital inclusion, and how connectivity can change a person’s life. The digital infrastructure telcos provide is vital to everyday life, and together with our partners, we remain committed to making the digital world accessible for all.”
Yasir Azman, Chief Executive Officer, Grameenphone commented, “At Grameenphone, we believe that digital progress is only meaningful when it includes everyone, and we are actively creating pathways for marginalized communities to learn, grow, and thrive in the digital space. The impact stories shared from Rajshahi illustrate and prove how targeted digital literacy programs can translate inclusion into real social progress and reflect our mission to use connectivity to empower people and ensure that the benefits of the digital revolution reach every corner of Bangladesh.”
Kabita Bose, Country Director, Plan International Bangladesh, said, “Online spaces mirror our society, where issues like bullying and harassment make many, especially girls and young women, feel unsafe. Through this project, we have empowered marginalized youth to use the internet safely and created a real social impact. Reaching over 3 million people, beyond our original target of 2.3 million, was possible thanks to the strong partnership with Grameenphone, Telenor, Youth for Change, and the communities themselves. Our journey continues as we will work together until digital and social spaces are safer and more equitable for all.”
This initiative exemplifies Grameenphone and Telenor’s shared vision of empowering societies through connectivity and technology, driving sustainable growth and inclusion at the grassroots level. These interventions have not only strengthened livelihoods but also boosted participants’ confidence and independence in navigating today’s digital world.