By Serene Planet | April 2025 | Education & Innovation

✨ Introduction

In a world where digital literacy is becoming as essential as traditional literacy, a stark line divides those with access to technology and those without. This line is called the digital divide—a growing challenge that affects millions of students across Bangladesh, especially in remote and underserved areas.

At Serene Planet, we believe that the digital world should not be a privilege, but a right for every learner. In this blog, we explore what the digital divide looks like in Bangladesh, why it matters, and how youth-led initiatives like ours are bridging the gap—one student at a time.

📉 What Is the Digital Divide?

The digital divide refers to the gap between individuals who have access to modern information and communication technologies (ICT)—such as computers, smartphones, and the internet—and those who do not. In educational contexts, this divide determines who can access online learning resources and who cannot.

In Bangladesh, especially in rural, coastal, and hill-tract regions, students often:

• Lack stable internet connectivity

• Have limited or no access to digital devices

• Struggle with electricity shortages

• Face language and skill barriers when using online tools

📍 Why It’s a Serious Problem

🚫 Excludes Students from Learning

During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools shifted online—but millions of students in remote regions simply couldn’t log in. For them, education came to a complete halt. The damage of this learning loss continues to echo across communities.

⚖️ Increases Educational Inequality

Urban students may enjoy classes on Zoom, Khan Academy, or YouTube, while rural students can’t even access digital textbooks. This worsens existing disparities between cities and villages, rich and poor, girls and boys.

🧠 Limits Skill Development

Digital literacy is no longer optional—it’s essential. Without access to the internet or digital tools, students miss out on vital skills like coding, research, online collaboration, and digital communication.

📊 The Numbers Don’t Lie

• According to the UNICEF Bangladesh 2021 report, only 13% of students in rural areas had access to online learning during school closures.

• A BRAC survey revealed that over 56% of students didn’t attend any form of online class during the pandemic.

• Girls in remote areas were disproportionately affected, with many pulled out of school permanently.

These numbers tell a harsh truth: the digital divide is not just a tech issue—it’s a justice issue.

🧭 What Are the Causes?

Understanding the root of the problem is key to solving it. Here are some critical drivers of the digital divide in Bangladesh:

1. 🌍 Geographic Barriers

Remote villages in places like Bandarban, Rangamati, and Banshkhali often have zero internet coverage or suffer from frequent power outages.

2. 💰 Economic Inequality

Many families cannot afford smartphones, tablets, or even radios, let alone internet data plans.

3. 🎓 Lack of Digital Literacy

Even if devices are available, both students and teachers may not know how to use digital tools effectively.

4. 🔒 Gender and Social Norms

In conservative areas, girls may be denied access to phones or internet, especially after a certain age.

5. 🏫 Institutional Gaps

Many schools lack digital infrastructure, trained teachers, and government support for ed-tech initiatives.

💡 Opportunities Hidden in the Divide

Despite the challenges, the digital divide presents unique opportunities for innovation and community engagement. When addressed with creativity and care, technology can actually become a tool for inclusion.

Here’s how:

🔁 Hybrid Learning Models

Combining offline resources (like printed materials) with mobile-accessible content (like SMS, audio lectures, or interactive voice response) can make learning more accessible.

🤝 Local Partnerships

Youth-led initiatives like Serene Planet’s Digital Literacy Circles in Chittagong and Hathazari show how collaboration with local educators and leaders can overcome connectivity barriers.

🎥 Community Tech Hubs

Establishing solar-powered digital learning kiosks or community computer centers can provide shared access to students in underserved areas.

🚀 Offline EdTech Tools

Tools like Khan Academy Lite, Kolibri, and Ustad Mobile allow learning to happen without an internet connection—perfect for remote schools.

🌟 How Serene Planet Is Making a Difference

At Serene Planet, we’ve taken a proactive role in shrinking the digital divide through multiple projects and initiatives. Here are a few success stories and models:

1. 🖥️ Digital Literacy Training in Cox’s Bazar

We’ve conducted hands-on training for over 300 students and youth volunteers, teaching them basic computer skills, online research techniques, and safe internet use. Girls were specially encouraged to participate, resulting in 57% female participation.

2. 📲 Mobile Learning Groups in Chittagong

In partnership with local educators, we piloted WhatsApp-based peer learning circles where students received video lessons, quizzes, and mentor support—all via mobile phones.

3. ⚡ Low-Cost Digital Resource Hubs

With the help of recycled laptops and solar panels, our team in Manikganj set up a mini-learning center with offline educational content preloaded, accessible to over 100 students weekly.

4. 💬 Awareness Campaigns

We organize youth-led campaigns on “Digital Rights as Human Rights”, using street theatre, social media, and storytelling to advocate for inclusive ed-tech policies.

📣 What Needs to Be Done

To bridge the digital divide, a multi-pronged approach is essential. Here’s what we recommend:

🏛️ For Policymakers

• Expand rural broadband infrastructure

• Provide subsidized devices and internet for low-income families

• Integrate digital literacy into school curriculums

🏫 For Schools and Teachers

• Embrace blended teaching methods

• Facilitate teacher training on digital tools

• Encourage girl-friendly access policies

👥 For Communities and Youth

• Build peer support systems for tech training

• Repurpose existing tech for shared community use

• Advocate for inclusive digital practices

❤️ Final Thoughts

The digital divide is not just about who has Wi-Fi—it’s about who gets to dream, learn, and lead in the 21st century. For the students in Bangladesh’s remotest corners, closing this gap can mean the difference between a life of limitations and a life of possibilities.

At Serene Planet, we believe in a future where no child is left behind—digitally or otherwise. With compassion, innovation, and community power, we’re transforming obstacles into opportunity.

✍️ Ready to Take Action?

Want to be part of the movement?

📌 Volunteer with our digital training teams
📌 Donate old phones, tablets, or laptops
📌 Partner with us to scale up our programs
📌 Share this blog to spread awareness

Let’s build a Bangladesh where technology connects—not divides.