Digital Inclusion Experience Among Low-income and Rural Area Residents of Bangladesh : A Qualitative Study on Their Access, Affordability, and Usage
Samira, Farhat Mahjabin (2025)
2025
Master's Programme in Sustainable Societies and Digitalisation
Informaatioteknologian ja viestinnän tiedekunta - Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences
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Hyväksymispäivämäärä
2025-12-29
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-2025122912175
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-2025122912175
Tiivistelmä
The rapid global digitalization also generates structural inequalities based on socio-economic factor and even geographic factor for some regions. This research is motivated by the premise that the experience of digital inclusion while using digital services is directly related to social sustainability and demographic development of a region, in the scenario Bangladesh. The thesis topic is inspired by the “Digital Inclusion in Action” project by Nordic-Baltic countries. This specific study focuses on two critical, yet region-specific target groups: Low-income population and residents of rural areas of the developing country Bangladesh.
Case study shows that over 60% of the Bangladeshi population resides in rural areas where approximately 20% live under very low income. It clearly creates scope for digital exclusion as reality. Existing quantitative research shows two primary kinds of divide. The first level gap concerns basic access to connection and devices, and the second-level deficit is related to skills and literacy. These two factors particularly make a difference between urban and rural residents along with rich and poor populations. However, there is inadequate in-depth qualitative research that can truly express the experiences and realities of the digital exclusion from the perspective of the target groups themselves. This study is designed to dive into the scenario since determinants like affordability, infrastructure, low literacy and trust deficits. To break through the vicious digital cycle, the aim of this study is to look at the situation from AN individual’s perspective.
By utilizing rigorous qualitative methodology, the study will result in some grounded evidence that will shed new light on existing quantitative statistics. This approach is critical to realise how digital policies are received and reciprocated at that root level. The in-depth insight will be useful in formation of more effective digital inclusion strategies which will facilitate a more inclusive, region-specific framework for digital equity which can enhance the national vision for ‘Digital Bangladesh.’ All in all, this study advocates for prioritizing not merely the premises of access but the assurance of meaningful and beneficial participation of all.
Case study shows that over 60% of the Bangladeshi population resides in rural areas where approximately 20% live under very low income. It clearly creates scope for digital exclusion as reality. Existing quantitative research shows two primary kinds of divide. The first level gap concerns basic access to connection and devices, and the second-level deficit is related to skills and literacy. These two factors particularly make a difference between urban and rural residents along with rich and poor populations. However, there is inadequate in-depth qualitative research that can truly express the experiences and realities of the digital exclusion from the perspective of the target groups themselves. This study is designed to dive into the scenario since determinants like affordability, infrastructure, low literacy and trust deficits. To break through the vicious digital cycle, the aim of this study is to look at the situation from AN individual’s perspective.
By utilizing rigorous qualitative methodology, the study will result in some grounded evidence that will shed new light on existing quantitative statistics. This approach is critical to realise how digital policies are received and reciprocated at that root level. The in-depth insight will be useful in formation of more effective digital inclusion strategies which will facilitate a more inclusive, region-specific framework for digital equity which can enhance the national vision for ‘Digital Bangladesh.’ All in all, this study advocates for prioritizing not merely the premises of access but the assurance of meaningful and beneficial participation of all.