Natore bootcamp with passionate&nbsp;participant Ayan7th Oct 2024&nbsp;&nbsp;Meet&nbsp;Mr. Al-Imran Ayan, a passionate&nbsp;14-year-old student in the eighth grade&nbsp;who is eager to learn about entrepreneurship. He recently attended the GP Accelerator Natore bootcamp alongside his parents.At this young age he is surprisingly passionate to learn the mindset of those who have built successful ventures, learning how unicorn startups operate, and listening to stories of founders of creating startups based on creative ideas. He aims to use these insights in his&nbsp;entrepreneurial journey to create employment opportunities for more people and for a better future. He recognizes that this can significantly benefit society and help those in need.Ayan Said&nbsp;“I am very excited to participate in the bootcamp! I have had the opportunity to meet a variety of people, interact with them, and learn a lot about business and IT that I hope to utilize in the future.”From ideation to prototype testing, the bootcamp experience was filled with valuable learning opportunities, including pitch preparation, demo practice, Q&amp;A sessions, and more. Our goal is to ignite a spark in participants to address local challenges and nurture future passionate enthusiasts like Ayan, who will lead us toward a brighter future for Bangladesh.

<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(26, 26, 26);font-family:&quot;Noto Sans Bengali&quot;, Telenor, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Noto Sans Bengali&quot;, sans-serif, &quot;Source Sans Pro&quot;, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Noto Sans Bengali&quot;, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:1.33;margin:0px;orphans:2;padding:0px 0px 24px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">যুব ক্ষমতায়ন, ডিজিটাল অন্তর্ভুক্তি এবং অনলাইন নিরাপত্তা নিশ্চিতের জন্য গ্রামীণফোন এসডিজি ব্র্যান্ড চ্যাম্পিয়ন হিসেবে স্বীকৃতি পেয়েছে। এছাড়াও, সাসটেইনেবল পার্টনারশিপ এবং ইন্সটিটিউশন বিভাগে আমাদের কথা উল্লেখ করা হয়েছে। এই সম্মান অর্জনে আমরা গর্বিত। গ্রামীণফোন ইউএনডিপি, প্ল্যান ইন্টারন্যাশনাল, ইউনিসেফ, সিসকো, বিডিআরসিএস এবং ব্র্যাকের মতো জাতীয় ও আন্তর্জাতিক উন্নয়ন অংশীদারদের সাথে কাজ করে লাখো মানুষের জীবনে ইতিবাচক প্রভাব ফেলে চলেছে।<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(26, 26, 26);font-family:&quot;Noto Sans Bengali&quot;, Telenor, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Noto Sans Bengali&quot;, sans-serif, &quot;Source Sans Pro&quot;, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Noto Sans Bengali&quot;, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:1.33;margin:0px;orphans:2;padding:0px 0px 24px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">ব্র্যান্ড ফোরাম এবং সম্মানিত জুরির এই স্বীকৃতি আমাদের সামাজিক ক্ষমতায়নের পথে আরও অগ্রসর হওয়ার জন্য অনুপ্রেরণা যোগায়।<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(26, 26, 26);font-family:&quot;Noto Sans Bengali&quot;, Telenor, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Noto Sans Bengali&quot;, sans-serif, &quot;Source Sans Pro&quot;, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Noto Sans Bengali&quot;, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:1.33;margin:0px;orphans:2;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">গ্রামীণফোন টিমকে বিশেষভাবে ধন্যবাদ যাদের সাপোর্ট, অনুপ্রেরণা এবং কঠোর পরিশ্রমের ফলে এই অর্জন সম্ভব হয়েছে। অভিনন্দন পুরো টিমকে।

এসডিজি ব্র্যান্ড চ্যাম্পিয়ন অ্যাওয়ার্ড ২৮শে মে, ২০২৩

launching of Freelancing Factory8th Oct 2024Grameenphone Academy launched Freelancing Factory to expand the opportunity of earning $100K by 100+ students!In Bangladesh, every year 2 Mn youth are added to the job market while only a handful of jobs are on offer. Thus, it is hardly possible to match employment opportunity for this huge flock. Other side of the story, the biggest freelancing platform Upwork is ready with 10 Mn jobs to offer and worldwide, the average earning of a freelancer per hour is $21. If we can&nbsp;ensure the skills match, Bangladesh can be the biggest supplier in the global freelancing market, and this can become our national economic success story!With this objective, Grameenphone Academy has launched&nbsp;‘Freelancing Factory’&nbsp;with an ambition to make a pool of 106 students to earn $1000 in 8 months through a mentor-led upskilling program.&nbsp;<a href="https://telenor.workplace.com/profile.php?id=100011508513778">Hans Martin</a>, Chief Corporate Officer of Grameenphone, officially kicked off the program and accoladed the diverse cohort with a demography of 40% female and 19% outside of Dhaka. Two young mentors, Yasin Ahmed and Muntasir Hasnat, have taken the challenge to guide the selected students to make this pilot project a success. The students will learn UX/UI and Web development through WordPress through 64 online class during this time in two (2) separate batches.Two students from audience panel shared their experience and expectation which are testimonials for the validity of the initiative. Tamanna, resident of Borguna-Amtoli, came to Dhaka just to join the session. She completed a number courses from different platforms including Grameenphone Academy but she is in need of hand holding instructions to implement the learning to earning. Tamanna is one of the qualified students, out 600+ applicants, who passed the two level assessments.Ragib Raiyan; BSc Engineer from Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Trishal-Mymensingh; with hearing challenge expressed his hope and confidence to start earning through this guided learning program.&nbsp;<a href="https://telenor.workplace.com/profile.php?id=61551122788092">Sayeda Tahya Hossain</a>, our Chief Human Resources Officer, motivated the participants and encouraged them to learn skills and look for opportunity to apply them in a wider domain. Grameenphone CEO,&nbsp;<a href="https://telenor.workplace.com/profile.php?id=100010586894848">Yasir Azman</a>, inspired the crowd with the story of Zero to one, encouraging the youth to break the zero and start their earning journey. Overwhelmed to see and hear the stories of the enthusiastic youth, our CEO also expressed his desire of being a freelancer if he got the opportunity to restart his career!The following workshop was conducted by both the instructors who shared the curriculum and the detailed learning plans for the next Eight (&nbsp;months. Students were inquisitive expressing their solid expectation from the program.Head of Talent Management,&nbsp;<a href="https://telenor.workplace.com/profile.php?id=61556448276639">Rifaqat Rasheed</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://telenor.workplace.com/profile.php?id=100011382407829">Farhana Islam</a>, Head of ESG along with their team also joined the session and expressed their intention to make the program scalable to create a rolling and sustainable impact to the economy of Bangladesh.Finger crossed for the Freelancing Factory to kick start the earning journey!&nbsp;

launching of Freelancing Factory

<div class="custom-page-basic-font-size source-sans-pro">চৌদ্দ বছর বয়সী সদা হাস্যোজ্জ্বল তাহমিনার (ছদ্মনাম) আর দশজন কিশোরীর মতোই স্বপ্ন ছিলো। কিন্তু যখন সে একটি ছেলের প্রেমে পড়লো এবং ছেলেটির ক্রমাগত অনুরোধে তার সাথে কয়েকটি অন্তরঙ্গ ছবি শেয়ার করলো, তার সেই স্বপ্ন নিমিষেই শেষ হয়ে গেলো। ছেলেটি এরপর তাকে আরও ঘনিষ্ঠ হওয়ার জন্য অনবরত চাপ দিতে থাকলো এবং এটি তাহমিনার জীবন পুরোপুরি বদলে দিলো।ভাগ্যক্রমে, শিশুদের সহায়তায় চালু করা হেল্পলাইন ১০৯৮ সম্পর্কে তাহমিনার জানা ছিলো এবং বৈশ্বিক মহামারি চলাকালীন সে এই হেল্পলাইনে কল করে। প্রথমে তার মনে বেশ অনিশ্চয়তা আর ভয় কাজ করলেও কয়েকবার কল করার পরে সে স্বস্তি ও আশ্বাস পায়, যা তাকে খোলাখুলিভাবে কথা বলার সাহস দেয়। সে কল সেন্টারের কাউন্সেলরের সাহায্য চায়। কল সেন্টার এজেন্ট তাকে আশ্বস্ত করে এবং তাকে সহায়তা প্রদানের বিষয়টি নিশ্চিত করে।  তাহমিনার কাহিনী নতুন কিছু নয়। সে জানায় যে, লকডাউনের সময় তার ১৬ বছর বয়সী একটি ছেলের সাথে সম্পর্ক গড়ে ওঠে এবং কথা বলার এক পর্যায়ে সে একটি জনপ্রিয় ডিজিটাল যোগাযোগ অ্যাপের মাধ্যমে তার দু’টি ব্যক্তিগত ছবি ছেলেটির সাথে শেয়ার করে। সে যেহেতু ছেলেটিকে বিশ্বাস করতো এবং ছেলেটির সাথে তার ভালোবাসার সম্পর্ক ছিলো, সে কখনোই ভাবেনি যে এতে কোনো প্রকার ঝুঁকি রয়েছে। কিন্তু ছবি শেয়ার করার পর পুরো চিত্র বদলে গেলো। ছেলেটির চাহিদা আরও বেড়ে যায় এবং সে সম্পর্কে আরও ঘনিষ্ঠতা চায়। তার এই চাহিদা পূরণে তাহমিনা স্বাচ্ছন্দ্যবোধ করে না এবং তাহমিনা এতে অস্বীকৃতি জানায়। এটি ছেলেটিকে আরও নাছোড়বান্দা করে তোলে এবং তার কথামতো না চললে সে তাহমিনার ছবি ডিজিটাল মাধ্যমে ভাইরাল করে দিবে এমন হুমকি দিতে শুরু করে। এই সময়ে তাহমিনার অনলাইন সেইফটি ব্যানারে দেখা হেল্পলাইন নম্বরের কথা মনে পড়ে। এই ব্যানারটি ছিলো গ্রামীণফোন ইউনিসেফের অনলাইন নিরাপত্তা প্রকল্পের কো-ব্র্যান্ডেড প্রচারণার অংশ।বিস্তারিত শোনার পর সাইকোসোশ্যাল কাউন্সেলর, সমাজকর্মী এবং ম্যানেজার ছেলেটির সাথে যোগাযোগ করার সিদ্ধান্ত নেন। তারা তাকে তার অসদাচরণের আইনি এবং সামাজিক পরিণতি সম্পর্কে অবহিত করে এবং তার কাউন্সেলিং করে। কয়েকটি সেশনের পর সে এ ব্যাপারে সচেতন হয় এবং তার আচরণের জন্য লজ্জিত হয়। সে নিজের আচরণ পরিবর্তনের প্রতিশ্রুতিও দেয়।এরপর হেল্পলাইন থেকে তাহমিনার সাথে কয়েকবার যোগাযোগ করা হয় এবং জানা যায় যে, ছেলেটি বেশ ভালো আচরণ করছে এবং এরপর তাকে আর বিরক্ত করেনি। তাহমিনা চাইল্ড হেল্পলাইন ১০৯৮ কে তাদের সার্বিক সহায়তার জন্য এবং অনলাইন অপব্যবহারের এই হয়রানি কাটিয়ে উঠতে সাহায্য করার জন্য ধন্যবাদ জানায়। তারপর তাকে অনলাইন নিরাপত্তা বিষয়ক প্রশিক্ষণ প্রদান করা হয় এবং সে ডিজিটাল স্পেসে সতর্ক এবং স্মার্ট হওয়ার প্রতিশ্রুতি দেয়।একটি পূর্ণাঙ্গ শিশু সুরক্ষা ব্যবস্থার অংশ হিসেবে, বাংলাদেশ সরকার ২৪ ঘণ্টা টোল-ফ্রি টেলিফোন সেবার মাধ্যমে শিশু সুরক্ষা সংশ্লিষ্ট কর্মকাণ্ডকে বেগবান করতে এবং শিশু ও তাদের পরিবারকে সহায়তা প্রদানে চাইল্ড হেল্পলাইন চালু করেছে। এসব কার্যক্রম সক্ষমতা বৃদ্ধির পাশাপাশি কল সেন্টার এজেন্টের সংখ্যা বাড়াতে কাজ করে। কল সেন্টার এজেন্ট থেকে শুরু করে মানসিক স্বাস্থ্য বিষয়ক পরামর্শদাতাদের প্রশিক্ষণ প্রদান কিংবা কেন্দ্রের মূল অপারেশন - ইউনিসেফের সাথে পার্টনারশিপে গ্রামীণফোন এই সেবার মানোন্নয়নে সকল প্রকার সহযোগিতা প্রদান করছে।</div>

সাহসিকতা আর কল সেন্টারে একটি ফোনকল বদলে দিয়েছে তার জীবন

<div class="custom-page-basic-font-size source-sans-pro">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.Sadmeena’s storyI 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.Proshanta’s storyHi! 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.Maliha’s StoryI 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.</div>

Shaping the future of young people

Natore bootcamp with passionate participant Ayan

How Sumita is educating communities through radio6th Sep 2024Sumita Rabidas is passionate about uplifting the quality of life for minorities and advocating for their human rights. She produces community radio programmes that educate marginalised communities on a variety of topics including digital skills to improve their livelihoods.Sumita knows hardship. She grew up in the Gaibandha district in northern Bangladesh and is a member of Rabidas indigenous community. As one of few indigenous girls in her district to go to elementary school, her achievements were sadly often dismissed. She was often forced to clean classrooms, after classes. Indigenous minorities in Bangladesh, with their own languages and customs, experience higher poverty rates<a href="https://www.telenorasia.com/stories/turning-personal-hardships-into-social-activism/#_ftn1">[1]</a>&nbsp;and have lower incomes than the national average.“My father worked as a cobbler while my mother took care of the household. Money was scarce growing up, and this meant that I had to work and study to help the family. Seeing sacrifices my parents made for me to be able to go to school pushed me to continue my education,” says Sumita.Her desire to get out of poverty was a key motivator for her to complete her education. With support from teachers in high school, she obtained a scholarship. She could finally afford a study desk and a schoolbag. She eventually graduated with a degree in sociology from Bangladesh University.“My own experience was a catalyst for me to want to improve the lives of people in my community and other minorities. Often, I had nowhere to turn to, so my will and inspiration to speak out for them comes from within.”She got a taste of activism and journalism, when she volunteered at a community radio station that shone a spotlight on issues of indigenous people.Educating youths through radioToday, she works as a programme coordinator at Bangladesh Community Radio Association (BCRA) – a coalition of advocacy-focused community radio stations. These local radio stations play a vital role in providing information to people in remote and underdeveloped areas, where national media has limited coverage.One of the key projects Soumita works on is the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.telenor.com/media/newsroom/announcement/joining-hands-to-create-safe-digital-spaces-for-girls-and-young-people/">Safe Digital Space for Girls and Youth (SDSGY) Project</a>, an initiative by Plan International Bangladesh, Grameenphone and Telenor.The Project aims to address the multifaceted challenges of cyberbullying, online harassment, misinformation, and other digital risks faced by girls and youths in Bangladesh. Within the first year of implementation, the SDSGY Project’s digital literacy lessons reached 280,000 people through the network of BCRA’s radio stations.“I am very proud to be part of this project because it is helping youths improve digital skills. Because of its impact, I consider it a highlight in my career! Organisations should implement innovative programmes that achieve significant impact, introduce fresh approaches, and drive meaningful behavioural changes.”Through in-person community activities, youths from marginalised groups learn how to protect themselves online, make informed decisions and engage positively in digital spaces. Trainers also collaborate closely with teachers to better understand youth’s needs and priorities.Amplifying marginalised voices“Connectivity has been very useful in reaching marginalised and indigenous communities, as many of them work irregular hours. We put recordings of our radio programmes online, so that they can listen and learn on demand, extending access beyond traditional broadcasting hours. We also interact with audiences via email and on social media platforms. We can tailor radio programmes to meet the specific interests of our listeners and experiment with formats – from discussions on topical issues to spoken dramas,” Sumita explains.Popular shows include lessons on protecting passwords, identifying misinformation, dealing with online bullying and avoiding scams and have been useful.She recalls one example. “A caller asked a guest speaker on my show if he should respond to a foreign donor’s request to fund a campaign. After evaluating the information, the expert advised the caller to block the person as it was most likely a scam. The expert advised listeners to verify the authenticity of such requests and not trust easily. They can double check facts through local authorities or international NGOs.”Sumita is optimistic about the future and wants to explore different approaches for indigenous minorities to be proficient in digital skills from young. “I would love to establish tech clubs in rural villages across Bangladesh. I want to help young people explore technology and gain digital skills, to help them out of poverty earlier in life. Perhaps one day, the next Bill Gates can emerge from one of these villages.”

How Sumita is educating communities through radio

At Grameenphone Academy, we aim to empower young professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the modern job market. Today, we highlight the journeys of three individuals whose lives have been transformed through our programs.Khadiza: From Student to Digital MarketerAs a student in the Department of Economics at Begum Badrunnessa Govt. Girl’s College, Khadiza harnessed the vast array of courses offered by GP Academy to pave her way into a career in digital marketing. Through programs like Facebook Marketing, MS Excel, WordPress, and Career Launchpad, she developed essential skills that she now applies in managing multiple pages and boosting sales for organizations like Hotel Dhaka Express and Japanita Fab LTD. GP Academy gave her the confidence to thrive in a competitive field while balancing her studies, allowing her to also contribute to the United Nations Youth and Students Association of Bangladesh.Nayeem: Exploring New Paths in IT Nayeem, a B.Sc. student passionate about the IT field, found GP Academy to be a valuable resource for his curiosity and career exploration. From courses on AI and digital marketing to entrepreneurship, the academy has equipped him with knowledge across different sectors. Not only have these courses enriched his academic pursuits, but interactive sessions and visits to the GP House have also fostered a sense of community and practical experience. For Nayeem, GP Academy represents an ongoing journey of growth, where every course opens a new door of opportunity.Zannatul: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice in UI/UX For Zannatul, a final-year CSE student at the Islamic University of Technology (IUT), GP Academy’s Industrial Attachment Program was a turning point in her career. Initially, she had a basic understanding of UI/UX design, but the mentorship from GP Academy experts, especially the MyGP app's UI/UX team, gave her invaluable insights into applying her knowledge in the corporate world. Courses like Career Launchpad and CV writing further helped her transition from academia to the corporate sphere with confidence. Now, as a UX designer ready to enter the job market, Zannatul believes the program has set her up for long-term success.

Empowering young professionals though GP Academy

Imagine a day without your phone—a tool you rely on for everything from staying connected to accessing essential services. Now, consider that 15% of the population in Bangladesh can’t access this lifeline, not because they don't want to, but because they can't afford it or lack the necessary digital literacy.Our Digital Inclusion for Marginalised Communities Project, in collaboration with Plan International, is changing this reality. We’re on a mission to equip 2.35 million marginalized girls and youth with vital digital skills and online safety training. This initiative is more than just a project; it’s a transformative journey that is bringing the power of the digital world to those who have been left out.Success in NumbersOur progress speaks for itself. We have covered 28 districts, reaching some of the most isolated and hard-to-reach communities. Our innovative approach, including partnerships with 8 radio stations, has ensured that even the remotest areas are not left behind. In these communities, we’ve worked hand-in-hand with 1,500 community leaders, ensuring that local voices are heard and their needs are met. To date, we have reached and either trained or educated 1.9 million people. Impressively, 70% of our trainees are women, highlighting our commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women through digital literacy..<table width="341"><tbody><tr><td>Unlocking potential:A deaf and mute student from outside Dhaka has found new opportunities through our digital literacy training. The course introduced him to online resources where he could explore and learn photography. With this newfound knowledge, he is now preparing for a professional course that will enable him to earn an income, showcasing the transformative impact of our</td></tr></tbody></table>A Collaborative EffortThe success of this project is a testament to the power of collaboration. Our recent exposure visit, which took place from May 19 to 21, was a pivotal moment that brought together key stakeholders. The visit included representatives from Plan Norway, Plan Bangladesh, Telenor Asia (TnA), as well as our own leadership team, including the CEO, CMO, and CHRO. The presence of our CXOs, alongside relevant Circle Business Heads (CBHs) and dedicated team members, underscored the importance of this project within our organization and to our partners.These leaders didn’t just observe; they engaged directly with beneficiaries, listened to their stories, and witnessed firsthand the profound impact our project is having. This kind of deep engagement has fueled our efforts and ensured that the project remains closely aligned with the needs of the communities we serve.have been instrumental in showcasing the real-world impact of our efforts, earning the project well-deserved recognition and support.Looking AheadAs we continue this journey, we remain committed to reaching even more people, breaking down the barriers of digital exclusion, and creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in the digital economy. The road ahead is long, but with the milestones we’ve already achieved, the path forward is filled with promise.This project is not just about numbers; it’s about the real, lasting impact on lives, communities, and the nation. We are proud of what we have accomplished so far and excited about the change we will continue to create together.

Transforming lives through Digital Inclusion

<div class="custom-page-basic-font-size source-sans-pro">গ্রামীণফোন বঙ্গোপসাগরে এর ডিপ সি নেটওয়ার্ক উন্নয়ন ও সম্প্রসারিত করেছে। মোবাইল নেটওয়ার্ক বিস্তৃতির ফলে জেলে এবং সমুদ্রপথের যাত্রীরা এখন গভীর সমুদ্রে থাকলেও জিপির মাধ্যমে মূল ভূখণ্ডের সাথে যোগাযোগ করতে পারবেন।এ নিয়ে প্রকাশিত এক সংবাদ বিজ্ঞপ্তিতে বলা হয়, কক্সবাজার, কুয়াকাটা, ভোলার চর কুকরিমুকরি ও পটুয়াখালীর চর মন্তাজকে কেন্দ্র করে স্থাপিত গ্রামীণফোনের এই নেটওয়ার্ক বিস্তৃতির সুবিধা পাওয়া যাবে দেশের উপকূলরেখা থেকে গভীর সমুদ্রে ৩৮ কিলোমিটার পর্যন্ত।সাম্প্রতিক তথ্য অনুযায়ী, গভীর সমুদ্রে পাঁচশো’রও বেশি নৌপরিবহণ মূল ভূখণ্ডের সাথে কানেক্টেড থাকতে গ্রামীণফোনের সেবা ব্যবহার করে। এমন উন্নয়নপ্রতি বছরই উপকূলীয় এলাকা ঘূর্ণিঝড়, টর্নেডো এবং জলোচ্ছ্বাসের মতো প্রাকৃতিক দুর্যোগের সম্মুখীন হয়, যার ফলে প্রাণহানির পাশাপাশি অর্থনীতিরও ব্যাপক ক্ষয়ক্ষতি হয়। এসব প্রাকৃতিক দুর্যোগের কারণে প্রতি বছর ক্ষয়ক্ষতির পরিমাণ গড়ে ৪,৫০০ কোটি টাকা পর্যন্ত হতে পারে। প্রাকৃতিক দুর্যোগ ছাড়াও জলদস্যুদের কারণে জেলে ও সমুদ্রপথের যাত্রীদের জীবিকা ব্যাহত হয়ে থাকে।জেলে পেশাজীবী ও সমুদ্রপথের যাত্রীদের সহায়তা প্রদানের জন্য এই নেটওয়ার্কের উন্নয়ন সাধন করা হয় এবং এটি সংশ্লিষ্ট কর্তৃপক্ষ ও তাদের পরিবারের সাথে দ্রুত যোগাযোগ সক্ষম করার মধ্য দিয়ে তাদের সুরক্ষা নিশ্চিত করছে।</div>

ডিপ সি নেটওয়ার্কের মাধ্যমে গ্রামীণ জেলে সম্প্রদায়ের ক্ষমতায়ন  

<div class="custom-page-basic-font-size source-sans-pro">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.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.The names of the 12 hospitals that received the PPE are listed here:<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>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.</div></div>

Grameenphone handovers 50,000 PPE

<div class="custom-page-basic-font-size source-sans-pro">At the initial stages of the lockdown, daily-wage-earners have suffered significantly as their means of income depended on regular work.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.</div>

Dakche Amar Desh (My Nation Calls)

<div class="custom-page-basic-font-size source-sans-pro">
 
 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.
 
 
 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
 
 
 
 <a class="btn btn-primary pid3397" style="background:rgb(0, 120, 207);border-radius:3px;border:none rgb(0, 120, 207);box-shadow:none;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(255, 255, 255);cursor:pointer;display:inline-block;font-family:Telenor, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Noto Sans Bengali&quot;, sans-serif;font-size:16px !important;font-weight:400;height:auto;line-height:16px;margin-bottom:0px;outline:none 0px;padding:10px 24px;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;touch-action:manipulation;transition:background 0.2s ease 0s;user-select:none;vertical-align:middle;white-space:nowrap;" href="https://cdn01.grameenphone.com/sites/default/files/inclusive-digital-future.pdf" target="_blank">Inclusive Digital Future</a>
 

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Baseline survey on vulnerable communities

Inclusive Digital Future

<div class='custom-dynamic-page'> আমাদের কাজগুলি কীভাবে সমাজকে প্রভাবিত করছে এবং ব্যক্তির জীবনে পরিবর্তন আনছে সে সম্পর্কে আরও জানুন</div>

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Natore bootcamp with passionate participant Ayan