Letters to the Editor
Digital platforms reshaping life
November 05, 2024 00:00:00
In recent years, Bangladesh has embraced a digital transformation that is reshaping how people access services, shop, and connect. With the rise of "super apps" - applications offering multiple services under one platform, such as bKash, Pathao, and Sheba - the convenience of everyday tasks has greatly improved, from banking and ride-hailing to food delivery and utility payments. These super apps provide a one-stop solution, reducing the need for multiple apps and simplifying life for millions.
Social media platforms, particularly Facebook, have also become essential to Bangladesh's digital economy. What began as a social network has now evolved into the country's primary online marketplace, where small and medium businesses thrive. Many Bangladeshi entrepreneurs rely on Facebook for buying and selling goods, making the platform integral to e-commerce and small business growth. Social media's accessibility and widespread usage make it ideal for startups and local businesses to reach customers, often with a single post or ad.
Government initiatives are also supporting this digital shift by promoting mobile financial services (MFS) and launching projects aimed at digitising government services and records. From remote education platforms to telemedicine, these advancements are making services more accessible to all. Such initiatives seek to bridge the digital divide and empower rural communities with better access to information, resources, and markets.
The move towards digital platforms has redefined lifestyle, economy, and community in Bangladesh. As these platforms grow, they continue to shape Bangladesh's future, embedding digital solutions as a core part of daily life. This transformation is likely to deepen as technology becomes more affordable and accessible, moving Bangladesh closer to a truly digital economy.
Sadman Islam Hridoy
Student
North South University
[email protected]