Mobile tech drives AI surge in Bangladesh

Mobile technology is rapidly accelerating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Bangladesh, helping to drive smarter lifestyles and deepen digital transformation, according to new research by Telenor Asia.

The study, titled “Digital Lives Decoded 2025: Building Trust in Bangladesh’s AI Future”, found that 96% of internet users in Bangladesh now use AI regularly, up from 88% in 2024.

The report, released today, is the fourth edition of a survey conducted among 1,000 internet users in the country. It highlights both the rapid advance of AI and the need for responsible, ethical and safe use of the technology.

Telenor Asia Head Jon Omund Revhaug said mobile phones are at the heart of this transformation.

“Mobile phones are playing a crucial role in reshaping everyday life in Bangladesh. They have become a powerful tool for building a smarter, more connected society,” he said.

He added that the growing use of AI in daily life creates both new opportunities and responsibilities for telecom operators to provide secure digital infrastructure.

“Connectivity is the foundation, and building trust at every layer is essential. Telenor Asia is committed to supporting Bangladesh’s digital progress and ensuring that the benefits of mobile technology reach everyone in a safe and secure way,” he said.

Mobile phones bringing AI into everyday life

The report shows that mobile technology is helping to embed AI into everyday reality, particularly in areas such as online education (62%), remote work (54%) and financial management (50%). Over the past year, use of mobile phones for remote work rose by 39%, while mobile use for budgeting and expense management increased by 36%.

There are also clear generational differences. Millennials are the most likely to recognise the value of AI-powered features such as smart home management, health monitoring and voice assistants. The findings suggest that as mobile use expands, AI is becoming more deeply integrated into daily life.

AI raising hopes in education and the economy

Nearly six in ten people in Bangladesh now use some form of AI daily. Many rely on AI tools to create content for school, work or personal needs, and to receive tailored advice on health, financial services and travel planning.

The rapid growth of AI use in workplaces, daily routines and online shopping indicates that AI has become part of ordinary life for many users. According to the report, there is a relatively high level of trust in AI-generated educational content and AI chatbots, which in turn is fuelling optimism about AI’s potential in education and the wider economy.

Untapped potential at work, but limited strategies

The use of AI in the workplace has risen sharply, from 44% in 2024 to 62% in 2025. However, among those who use AI at work, only about half said their organisations have a formal AI strategy. This suggests that companies still need more explicit guidance on how to adopt AI responsibly.

Currently, AI is primarily used for writing and generating content in professional settings. The report notes that there is significant scope to apply AI more widely to boost productivity. For example, only 28% of respondents reported using AI for routine or administrative tasks. Increasing awareness of AI’s different applications could encourage employees to use it more effectively.

Young Bangladeshis: heavy users, growing concerns

Despite widespread adoption, the report finds growing worries about over-reliance on AI, job security and privacy, especially among younger people.

Young Bangladeshis are the heaviest users of AI and consider themselves confident and skilled in using digital technology. Yet they are also the most concerned about the pace of AI’s advance. This mix of optimism and caution reflects a generation eager to embrace AI while demanding strong guarantees around safety and security.

Risk of digital exclusion and a call to close the gap

Jon Omund Revhaug said there is an essential reality behind the optimism around AI’s potential in Bangladesh.

He emphasized that as technology advances, ensuring universal connectivity and safe digital skills is becoming increasingly critical. Those who are not connected, or who lack the skills to navigate the digital world safely, risk being excluded from the digital ecosystem and missing out on the opportunities AI can offer.

“We have a collective responsibility to reduce the digital divide and build a society where no one is left behind,” he added.

The report concludes that mobile phones sit at the centre of Bangladesh’s digital shift, enabling online learning, financial services, day-to-day tasks and access to information. AI is expanding these benefits further, transforming how people live, work and communicate — but also raising urgent questions about trust, safety and inclusion.