There is a significant disparity in internet usage between rural and urban areas in the country at the individual level.
While 75.7% of people in cities use the internet, the rate in rural areas is only 43.6% —that is, the gap is 32.1%.
This picture has emerged in a survey titled 'Measuring the Scope and Application of ICT Use' conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).
The report was released at the BBS office in Agargaon in the capital on Thursday.
According to the survey, 53.4% of the total population in the country uses the internet.
While the mobile phone user rate is 88.4%, 64.4% of people have their own mobile phones. On the other hand, the computer user rate is still much lower—only 11.3%.
High cost has emerged as one of the main reasons for not using the internet, as 43.6% of citizens who participated in the survey said that they are not interested in using the internet due to the high cost of the service.
Researchers believe that this is a major obstacle on the path to digital inclusion in the country.
A regional analysis shows that internet access is highest in Dhaka and lowest in Panchagarh.
The same trend is observed in computer usage—highest in Dhaka and lowest in Thakurgaon.
The survey also found that 64.4% of internet users have searched for government job information in the last three months.
In addition, 49.8% have searched for sports-related information and 11.6% have shopped online.
Some positive figures were also found in terms of skills. 84.4% of users can copy and paste and 78.5% have been able to take quick action after a cyberattack.
However, awareness is also needed in terms of risks—50.5% of users mentioned viruses and malware as the biggest threat.
Overall, the survey results show that despite the expansion of the internet in the country, its balanced use, increasing efficiency and ensuring affordable services still remain major challenges.