Mobile phones are at the heart of Bangladesh’s digital transformation, from accessing online learning and financial services to managing daily tasks and staying informed, according to the latest Telenor Asia study.
Increasingly, these everyday conveniences are powered by artificial intelligence, a technology that is rapidly reshaping how people live, work, and interact, the report said.
The “Digital Lives Decoded 2025: Building Trust in Bangladesh’s AI Future” report, launched on Tuesday, revealed that about 96 percent of Bangladeshi internet users now report regularly using AI, marking an increase from 88 percent in 2024.
The fourth edition of the study, based on a survey of 1,000 internet users, explores the emergence of AI in Bangladesh and underscores the vital need for responsible, ethical, and safe AI adoption.
Telenor Asia chief Jon Omund said: “As mobile phones continue to transform daily life in Bangladesh, they have become powerful enablers of smarter, more connected communities. With the increasing everyday adoption of AI, telecom operators have a unique opportunity and responsibility to build the secure digital infrastructure that underpins trustworthy AI.”
He stressed that connectivity is the foundation, and trust must be built into every layer. “Telenor Asia remains committed to supporting Bangladesh’s digital journey and ensuring that the benefits of mobile technology are accessible to all in a safe and secure way.”
The key findings from the report are as follows:
‘MOBILES ENABLE SMARTER LIVES, BRING AI INTO DAILY REALITY’
Mobile technology is reshaping daily life by enabling online learning (62 percent), remote work (54 percent), and financial management (50 percent). Over the past year, remote work has seen the biggest increase in mobile-based use, rising by 39 percent, followed by budgeting and expense tracking, which grew by 36 percent.
Generational differences are also evident. Millennials are more likely than others to recognise the value of AI-driven features, such as smart home management, health tracking, and voice assistants. These trends indicate that expanding mobile use is driving everyday AI adoption as people increasingly embrace the benefits it brings.
‘TRUST IN AI TRANSLATES INTO OPTIMISM ON EDUCATION, ECONOMY’
Almost 6 in 10 in Bangladesh now use some form of AI every day. Many are now turning to AI to assist in creating content for school, work or personal use, as well as looking for personalised advice in health, finances or planning new experiences.
The growing use of AI has been especially pronounced at work, in daily activities and online shopping, pointing to its deepening role in day-to-day routines.
People are especially trusting of AI-generated educational content and AI chatbots, and this trust translates into an optimism around AI’s impact on education and the country’s economy.
‘AN UNTAPPED OPPORTUNITY FOR AI IN WORKPLACE’
AI usage at the workplace jumped from 44 percent to 62 percent in 2025. Yet only half of those using AI at work report that their organisations have a formal AI strategy, signalling room for greater institutional guidance on how this technology can be responsibly deployed.
Writing and creating content at work is one of the top use cases for AI, but there are more opportunities to encourage professionals to use AI to increase their productivity.
Currently, only 28 percent use it to delegate mundane or administrative tasks at work. Greater awareness around the different applications of AI could help increase effective adoption in the workplace.
‘YOUNGER GENERATIONS VOICE CONCERNS’
Even as people embrace AI tools in their daily lives, concerns have emerged around personal over-reliance on AI, lack of job security and privacy issues.
Younger generations are the most likely to use AI multiple times a day and to describe themselves as comfortable or even experts in their use of the technology.
Yet, they are also the most likely to voice concerns about the pace of development.
This combination of optimism and caution reflects a population eager to embrace AI while demanding safeguards.
Jon Omund concluded, “Alongside the optimism surrounding the potential of AI in Bangladesh, there is a pressing reality. As technology advances at pace, ensuring that everyone is connected and equipped to use these tools safely and effectively has never been more critical.
“Without access to connectivity or the skills to safely navigate the digital world, people are excluded from the digital ecosystem or left behind from the progress and opportunities that AI can enable. Our collective responsibility remains: continue working to bridge this divide and create a digital society where no one is left behind.”
