* Data Collection Challenges: Gathering accurate language data across the globe is a complex task. Censuses and surveys may not be conducted uniformly or with complete accuracy.
* Language Variation: There are different dialects and variations of Bengali, and it can be difficult to define what constitutes "Bengali" for statistical purposes.
* Bilingualism: Many people speak more than one language, making it hard to determine their primary language.
However, here's what we can say:
* Second Most Spoken Language: Bengali is widely considered the second most spoken language in the Indian subcontinent, after Hindi.
* Large Number of Speakers: It is spoken by over 265 million people globally, making it one of the top 10 most spoken languages in the world.
* Primary Language in Bangladesh and West Bengal: Bengali is the official language of Bangladesh and the state of West Bengal in India. It is spoken by the vast majority of the populations in these regions.
To get a better idea of the percentage, you could look at:
* Official Census Data: The latest censuses in Bangladesh and West Bengal would provide information on the percentage of people who speak Bengali as a primary language in these regions.
* International Language Organizations: Organizations like UNESCO or the World Bank may have global statistics on language use, although they might not be as specific as you're looking for.
Remember, these statistics will be estimates and may vary depending on the source and methodology used.