Evaluating Web Accessibility and Usability in Bangladesh: A Comparative Analysis of Government and Non-Government Websites

TL;DR

This study assesses and compares the accessibility and usability of Bangladeshi government and non-government websites using automated tools and user feedback, revealing significant disparities and areas needing improvement.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive evaluation of web accessibility in Bangladesh, combining automated assessments with user surveys to identify key barriers and disparities.

Findings

Non-government websites generally have better usability.

Accessibility support is inconsistent across websites.

Persistent issues include navigation complexity and visual readability.

Abstract

Ensuring digital accessibility is essential for inclusive access to online services. However, many government and non-government websites that provide critical services - such as education, healthcare, and public administration - continue to exhibit significant accessibility and usability barriers. This study evaluates the accessibility of Bangladeshi government and non-government websites under WCAG~2.2 by combining automated accessibility assessments with user-reported feedback. A total of 212 websites were analyzed using multiple automated tools, complemented by a survey of 103 users to capture real-world usability, accessibility, and security experiences. The results reveal substantial disparities between government and non-government websites, highlighting persistent issues related to navigation complexity, interaction cost, visual readability, accessibility feature adoption, and authentication mechanisms. While non-government websites generally demonstrate better usability and functional performance, accessibility support remains inconsistent across both categories. The findings underscore the need for regular accessibility audits, user-centered design practices, and policy-driven interventions to improve digital inclusivity and ensure equitable access to online services for diverse user populations.