AI is set to reshape the global economy, with PwC projecting a US$ 17 trillion contribution by 2030. The technology offers Bangladesh significant potential to drive billions in economic growth and chart a new path forward.
AI can improve teaching and learning methods, solve some of the most pressing issues facing education today, and hasten the achievement of SDG 4. UNESCO is dedicated to helping Member States realise the Education 2030 Agenda using AI technology. As a member state, Bangladesh will also incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into its education system to educate its workforce for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and keep up with global developments.
Bangladesh has made progress in expanding access to quality education over the past decade, but the challenge of future employability remains significant, with over 40 million school-age children. In this connection,
the country must invest heavily in AI infrastructure, addressing its opportunities and risks. ICT has become a critical growth sector, with export revenues rising from US$26 million in 2007 to US$1.9 billion in 2023. By 2025, the government aims to raise ICT employment from 2 million to 3 million and increase exports to US$5 billion, which shows the need to reskill the population for the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) has played a good role in developing ICT infrastructure and workforce skills, training over 236,000 people by April 2023, including 46,800 women. Through initiatives like the Bangladesh Korea Institute of Information and Communication Technology (BKIICT), BCC has provided diploma and short-term training to thousands, preparing them for global career opportunities. Its efforts in equipping professionals across sectors with expertise in advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and cybersecurity have set the initial foundation. To sustain this progress, BCC should continue expanding its training programs and encourage innovation to fully capitalise on the digital economy's potential.
UNIVERSITY INITIATIVES: Between 2011 and 2022, Bangladesh's literacy rate increased from 51.77 per cent to 74.66 per cent. However, graduates' career prospects have not immediately increased. According to World Bank data, Bangladesh's educated young unemployment rate has quadrupled in about the same time frame. The actual scenario might be more grim. With the age of AI and 4IR, the situation might get worse as old jobs will no longer be relevant, even for people in the industries.
To conquer these upcoming challenges, Bangladesh's University Grants Commission (UGC) suggested AI integration into higher education courses in June 2023. Members of the UGC underlined that to prevent falling behind other countries, it is imperative to adjust to the quick technological developments. Bangladeshi universities need to educate their youth aggressively in artificial intelligence (AI), the use of its tools, and how to learn other skills that might help them build careers despite the transformations of AI. Certain initiatives currently provide students with a worldwide platform to compete with top institutions from the USA, UK, and Europe. A few initiatives such as: (i) Huawei-Buet ICT Academy. This non-profit education program was started in partnership with Huawei and Bangladesh University of Science and Technology (BUET) with the goal of creating an ICT talent ecosystem and giving young students skills that are appropriate for the business. The academy provides certification courses in subjects including cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and 5G. (ii) Grameenphone Academy. The primary objective of this Grameenphone effort is to plug the current skills gap in the local labour market by offering practical skills. The academy prepares highly skilled independent contractors who can compete in the global market by providing free instruction and practical training.
North South University (NSU) and the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) formally established cooperation to promote cooperative research and AI development in June 2023. As of 2023, the University of Science and Technology Chittagong had 138 publications and 1,792 citations in artificial intelligence, demonstrating its notable progress in this area.
PRIVATE SECTOR CONTRIBUTIONS: In Bangladesh, the business sector is also contributing to advancing artificial intelligence (AI) education by enhancing institutional and governmental efforts. For upcoming graduates, several private training providers have developed extensive AI courses catered for various career demands.
a. Unichrone provides live online and in-person training for artificial intelligence experts in Bangladesh. Their qualified instructors help learners grasp complicated terms and procedures by offering insights into artificial intelligence. After finishing, applicants take a test to obtain their AI Expert Certification.
b. NobleProg offers live, instructor-led training in Bangladesh that may be accessed online or in person. Their courses, which concentrate on the foundations of AI and its applications in several industries, are designed for various skill levels, including managers, company executives, and healthcare professionals.
c. Datazo InfoTech, a software development firm, has won awards and is dedicated to offering complete IT services, including AI solutions. Their knowledge facilitates AI applications in various fields, improving experts' and students' hands-on learning opportunities.
d. Intelligent Machines, a Dhaka-based startup, specialises in AI, blockchain, and analytics solutions. Founded in 2018, the company has developed AI products and models for major clients like bKash, Unilever, and Telenor Myanmar. Their services are widely used in advanced analytics, marketing, and other sectors, effectively applying AI in real-world scenarios across Bangladesh.
As the private sector in Bangladesh increasingly invests in AI-driven initiatives, it becomes evident that integrating AI into education is not merely an opportunity, but an imperative. With nearly 9.6 million young people, particularly women, disconnected from education or employment, the need for strategic, targeted interventions is more urgent than ever. The country should prioritise equipping its youth with digital and AI skills to enable more meaningful participation in the digital economy. By prioritising digital literacy and AI technology, Bangladesh can accelerate its transition to an information-intensive economy, creating a skilled workforce that can drive innovation and close the current knowledge gaps. These efforts will be key in ensuring that the country fully capitalises on the potential of AI. The future of Bangladesh hinges on its ability to build an inclusive, tech-savvy workforce - and the time to invest in this future is now.
Dr Tasnimul Islam is a faculty member at University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) He can be reached at [email protected]
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