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        In the dynamic growth landscape of Bangladesh, where digital transformation plays a pivotal role, it is important to understand, as we journey forward, how we can create an all-inclusive experience for all, especially vulnerable communities. Spearheaded by Grameenphone in collaboration with Plan International, a baseline survey on vulnerable communities shines a spotlight on digital behavior, emerging digital divides and their impact on societal inequalities.
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        Covering 17 districts, the survey explores the digital needs of diverse, marginalized communities, ranging from ethnic and religious minorities to tea garden workers and climate-affected populations. With both quantitative and qualitative insights gathered from 4,800 respondents, Focus Group Discussions, and Key Informant Interviews, this survey is pivotal in addressing digital inclusion gaps within the country. Grameenphone’s unwavering commitment reflects their dedication to advancing digital inclusion, ensuring a brighter, more inclusive digital future for Bangladesh. Detail report will shed
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<div class="custom-page-basic-font-size source-sans-pro"><p>Fourteen-year-old Tahmina (not her real name) a happy go lucky girl had all the usual dreams of an adolescent girl. But that changed when she met a boy she liked and upon persistent request shared couple of intimate pictures. This was the turning point when she was constantly under pressure to have a more intimate relationship</p><p>Fortunately, she was aware of 1098, the helpline for children and called the helpline during pandemic. Initially she was very unsure and scared, but after few calls she found the much needed assurance and comfort which gave her the courage to open up. So she sought help from the call center counselor. The call center agent reassured her and gave her more examples of support.  </p><p>Her story is not unique. She reported that she had developed a relationship with a 16 year old boy during the lockdown and at one point of their interaction through popular digital communication app she shared two private photos with him. She never thought she would be at any risk as she trusted him and had an emotional attachment with the boy. However, after she shared the pictures the entire scenario changed. The boy became more demanding and wanted much more intimacy in the relationship. Which made Tahmina uncomfortable, and she refused. This made the boy more adamant, and he started threatening her with dire consequences by making the photos digitally viral.  At this point Tahmina remembered the helpline number that she had noticed in one of the online safety banners, a co-branded communication part of Grameenphone Unicef online safety project.</p><p>Learning the details the psychosocial counsellor, social worker, and the manager decided to contact the boy. They counselled him, including informing him of the legal and social consequences of his misconduct. Multiple session made him conscious and ashamed which led him to a promise to change his approach.</p><p>Since then the helpline has checked with Tahmina few times and learned that the boy is behaving very well and has not bothered her ever since. Tahmina thanked Child helpline 1098 for their support and for helping her to overcome this problem of online abuse. Since then she has been trained on online safety and she has promised to be digitally cautious and smart.</p><p>As part of a comprehensive child protection system, the government of Bangladesh has set up child helplines, to strengthen programmes and support children and their families, through a 24- hour toll-free telephone service. The programmes serve to build the capacity and increase the number of call centre agents. Grameenphone, in partnership with UNICEF, has extended its support to strengthen the service, whether it is the training of call centre agents to psychological counsellors or the core operation of the centre. </p></div>

A life changing phone call

<div class="custom-page-basic-font-size source-sans-pro"><p>Grameenphone completed the enhancement of its deep-sea network capacity in the Bay of Bengal. As a result of the wider mobile network range, fishermen and commuters on the deep sea will now be able to communicate through GP with the mainland.</p><p>We are providing this deep-sea network coverage from the point of Cox’s Bazar, Kuakata, Char Kukrimukri in Bhola, and Char Montaz in Patuakhali, up to 38 km from the Bangladesh coastline</p><p>From the currently available data, more than 500 vessel units use Grameenphone’s services to connect with the mainland. With this advancement, we once again reiterate its promise to empower societies through connectivity solutions.</p><p>Every year the coastal area faces a lot of natural disasters such as cyclones, tornadoes and tidal waves which results in loss of lives as well as damage in the economy. The average loss per year can accumulate up to BDT 45 billion due to these natural disasters. Apart from natural disasters, pirate activities also hamper the livelihoods of fishermen and commuters.</p><p>This network development is poised to aid these bread earners and commuters at sea and keep them safe with prompt communication with relevant authorities and with their families.</p></div>

Enabling rural fishing community with deep sea network

<div class="custom-page-basic-font-size source-sans-pro"><p>Sadmeena, Proshanta and Maliha are few among the many graduates from Grameenphone’s upskilling platform. Their experience at the Grameenphone Academy are testaments of the real needs and impact in the lives of young people.</p><p><strong>Sadmeena’s story</strong></p><p>I am Sadmeena Promi, working as a Curriculum Developer, BRAC IED (in Early Childhood Development Program) also an explorer of Grameenphone Explorers Program where over 340 bright students from all over the country had gathered and showed their interest. The experience of the GP Explorer 2.0 program was quite incredible where this program included a variety of virtual and live interactions between participants and mentors, with a focus on improving communication, entrepreneurship, and digital skills. It provided a conceptual understanding learning setting in which we were able to meet with industry leaders, work in groups, and receive ongoing guidance from our coaches. That had a significant impact on the overall experience, and I believe that this is the program's unique feature: it allows individuals to go beyond their main strengths. For example, the few GP Explorers sessions on developing technical skills inspired me to pursue new interests, and I was awarded the "Commonwealth of Learning: Grow with Google '' scholarship as a result. And it was in this way that the GP Explorers program expanded my horizons. Secondly, I'm aiming to carry my learning forward and progressively transform into my area of expertise using the information I gained during the program on technical skills, leadership, and soft skills. Hence, I am really thankful Grameenphone’s initiative to organize GP Explorer-youth development program aimed at upskilling and preparing us for future.</p><p><strong>Proshanta’s story</strong></p><p>Hi! This is Proshanta Bhowmik, currently studying for master’s degree in IT from Macquarie University. I am a proud explorer of Grameenphone Explorers, where the program not only taught me communication skills and digital marketing, but also presented me with a comprehensive view of acceptable employment practices. It prepared us all for the job market, and as a result, I was able to secure my first job before the end of the program. As explorers, we had the opportunity to test our ideas, knock through boundaries, and rediscover ourselves. Along with the course contents and weekly mentorship, we also received something unique called the Masterclass, where large corporate experts and changemakers presented their practical expertise, listened to our ideas, answered our questions, and directed our views in the proper path. The GP Explorers program encouraged us to look for new chances and use them to further our education. We had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with a wide range of people. This helped us become better team players, leaders, and communicators. I feel prepared to embrace the transformation and contribute to the advancement of my country as a result of the GP Explorers program. Every obstacle or stepping block, in my opinion, creates innovative approaches. If Covid-19 was the key barrier in my situation, GP Explorer provided me with the opportunity to expand my knowledge and improve my skills. Thank you for having a wonderful experience, Grameenphone.</p><p><strong>Maliha’s Story</strong></p><p>I am Sarwat-A-Maliha, currently working as a Digital Ninja of Grameenphone Academy, Grameenphone Ltd. I am an explorer of Grameenphone Explorers where the program gave me a broad overview of acceptable workplace behavior along with communication, digital marketing &amp; entrepreneurship skills. It trained us all for our future careers, and I was able to land my first job before graduating. I never thought I would get the first job with the first interview of my life because I always had a fear of facing interviews but through adequate training and coaching, this program really helped me to overcome the fear and get my first job. GP Explorers program gave me the chance to broaden my skills and sharpen my talents. Thank you for having a wonderful experience, Grameenphone.</p></div>

Shaping the future of young people

<div class="custom-page-basic-font-size source-sans-pro"><p>Grameenphone took a timely initiative in the fight against the coronavirus. It supplied 50,000 sets of professional-grade medical PPE to 12 hospitals, listed under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). This was done during the initial stages of the pandemic when the medical frontline workers had little to no protection whilst saving lives.</p><p>At Grameenphone, we believe, it is possible to overcome any obstacle with the power of a united force. We also feel that it is our duty to help lessen the burden of those who work diligently and are committed towards the betterment of a society and its people.</p><p>The names of the 12 hospitals that received the PPE are listed here:</p><div class="custome-bullet"><ul><li style="font-family:Source Sans Pro;">Kuwait-Bangladesh Friendship Government Hospital</li><li style="font-family:Source Sans Pro;">Kurmitola General Hospital</li><li style="font-family:Source Sans Pro;">Dhaka Medical College and Hospital</li><li style="font-family:Source Sans Pro;">Dhaka Mahanagar General Hospital</li><li style="font-family:Source Sans Pro;">Mugda Medical College and Hospital</li><li style="font-family:Source Sans Pro;">Narayanganj 300-bed Hospital</li><li style="font-family:Source Sans Pro;">Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University</li><li style="font-family:Source Sans Pro;">Sir Salimullah Medical College</li><li style="font-family:Source Sans Pro;">Mymensingh Medical College</li><li>Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College</li><li style="font-family:Source Sans Pro;">Sheikh Russel Gastro Liver Institute and Hospital</li><li>Infectious Diseases Hospital.</li></ul><p>Also, in a separate drive, Grameenphone with the Foreign Investor’s Chambers of Commerce &amp; Industry (FICCI) contributed 1,000 high-quality ICU Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Combined Military Hospital (CMH), in a joint effort to combat Covid-19.</p></div></div>

Grameenphone handovers 50,000 PPE

<div class="custom-page-basic-font-size source-sans-pro"><p>At the initial stages of the lockdown, daily-wage-earners have suffered significantly as their means of income depended on regular work.</p><p>In addition to Government initiatives, Grameenphone has taken a joint initiative with BRAC, the world’s and Bangladesh’s largest Non-Government Development Organization, “Dakche Amar Desh” to provide emergency food assistance for the ultra-poor families of the country, who have been hit the hardest due to the pandemic. With a fund of BDT 15 crore, emergency food assistance among 1,00,000 ultra-poor families has been established. Each family received BDT 1500 for two weeks’ essential food supplies. On top of that, many compassionate members of the society have responded to our call and extended their hand of cooperation in this initiative.</p></div>

Dakche Amar Desh (My Nation Calls)

Baseline survey on vulnerable communities

Inclusive Digital Future

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A life changing phone call

Enabling rural fishing community with deep sea network

Shaping the future of young people

Grameenphone handovers 50,000 PPE

Dakche Amar Desh (My Nation Calls)

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