Experts on Tuesday called on the new government to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into management and policymaking to unlock economic potential and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
They also advocated circular economy practices and the enactment of laws aligned with the country's socio-economic realities and business potential. Speakers further highlighted how environmental pollution affects trade, business and the broader economy.
They made the remarks at a seminar titled "Integrating Artificial Intelligence, Circular Economy and Sustainability", organised by the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries at its office in the city.
AK Enamul Haque, Director General of the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), attended as chief guest. He said a country should formulate policies and laws based on its own needs and priorities rather than copying others indiscriminately.
Due to inappropriate policies, many small industries and factories have almost disappeared from the country, he said. Small and informal recycling enterprises do not receive bank loans because of the lack of policy support and therefore have failed to grow into larger industries, he added.
He observed that the country possesses substantial macro-level data, including waste management statistics compiled by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), but policymakers and sector stakeholders have not been able to utilise it effectively.
He also projected that AI would not replace humans but would ease certain tasks if used properly, noting that many AI firms remain largely unprofitable.
Nawshad Mustafa, Director of the SME and Special Programmes Department at Bangladesh Bank, called for coordinated government efforts to address the growing mismatch between education and employment. He said a large number of students graduating in technical subjects enter the job market without roles matching their academic background, resulting in a significant waste of effort and resources.
Bangladesh Bank is prioritising loans and support for environmentally friendly enterprises, he added, emphasising AI and the circular economy.
Mohammad Shahab Uddin, Director of the Office for International Affairs at the University of Chittagong, presented the keynote paper.
In his presentation, he highlighted environmental crises such as climate change, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss, and discussed how integrated approaches could address these challenges.
SM Zulfiqur Ali, Research Director at BIDS, said green job holders often receive lower salaries compared to those in other sectors, discouraging young graduates, including those with environmental degrees, from pursuing careers in the green economy.
He urged the government to reduce the gap and mismatch between education and labour market demand. "We have huge potential, but progress is hindered by low internet speed, poor infrastructure, a shortage of skilled manpower, inadequate data and limited green financing," he said.
Md Moniruzzaman, Professor at the Bangladesh Institute of Governance and Management (BIGM), emphasised the need to integrate economic growth with sustainability.
He also called for narrowing the widening gap between education and employment.
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