Emerging technologies and equitable work conditions in Bangladesh

May Day, or International Workers' Day, began with the struggle for an eight-hour workday and safer job conditions in 1886 Chicago. Over a century later, it still symbolises workers' rights and dignity. Many countries including Bangladesh have made economic progress, but the fight for safe workplaces and fair treatment is far from over. In fact, the way forward may lie in something that wasn't imagined before: technology. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools offer new hope to solve old problems in workplace safety and worker rights.

Bangladesh made significant progress in its garment sector since the 2013 Rana Plaza tragedy. Minimum wages have increased, and many factories have improved their safety protocols. However, the problems are yet to be eradicated. Millions of workers, especially women in garments or men in informal labour or as day labourers, still face long hours, low wages, and unsafe work conditions. Corporate offices, though seemingly polished, are not exempt either. Overwork, poor career progression, and job insecurity are prevalent here. True change demands both stronger policies and smarter implementation, enforced by digital solutions.

Some companies have already taken steps worth following. Unilever Bangladesh's Aastha initiative is one of them. This program provides clean water, hygiene products, and health education to over a million workers. Their safety policy requires hazard training, emergency drills, and regular audits. Similarly, Better Work Bangladesh, supported by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), has improved conditions in 450 factories by using worker-led safety teams and feedback systems. These efforts are paying off: reduced accidents, improved worker morale, and stronger brand trust. Even in corporate jobs, flexible hours and mental health programs are being slowly adopted.

Technology is already improving safety in sectors beyond garments. In construction, AI tools and Building Information Modelling (BIM) are helping projects finish faster and safer. BIM has been used in big projects like Dhaka Metro Rail. With AI, these models can automatically detect design issues, simulate disasters, and give real-time updates, reducing project costs by 15 per cent and improving safety by 30 per cent. For a sector that employs over 3.5 million people, these tools can save lives and money, especially in a disaster-prone country like Bangladesh.

Fisheries and agriculture are also adopting smart tools. In Cox's Bazar, the Digital Early Warning Systems (DEWS) project has equipped 300 boats with waterproof communication tools. These give 48-hour storm warnings and allow fishermen to call for help during emergencies. Around 3,000 fishermen now benefit from this system.

Meanwhile, in fish farms, Smart Fish Farm technology uses sensors to check water pH and oxygen levels. These sensors help reduce feed use by up to 20 per cent, boosting both profits and sustainability. Though the tech costs about 1.5 lakh per acre, the benefits are worth it. These digital tools are making even remote or informal workplaces safer, showing how innovation isn't limited to big industries. They also point to the growing role of home-grown tech solutions in improving livelihoods.

To make a permanent change, companies must go beyond minimum legal compliance. They should ensure every worker earns a living wage, not just the minimum one. Workplace safety should not depend on luck or location. It must be a non-negotiable standard. Real worker voices must be heard, through surveys, forums, and unions. Companies must also invest in worker growth by offering training, fair promotions, and mental health support. Transparency is crucial too. Companies should publish clear reports on wages, injuries, and worker satisfaction to show they are serious about improvement.

Countries like India and Brazil are already moving fast in this area. India has expanded social protections for gig workers and is using digital tools to track labour violations. Brazil is piloting AI tools for inspecting factory conditions in real time. If Bangladeshi companies lag behind, they risk losing international contracts to firms that meet higher ethical standards. Brands and consumers are demanding better. To stay competitive, Bangladesh must not just improve policies, it must embrace technology to enforce them.

Technology is transforming workplace safety worldwide. In many factories, AI-powered sensors now track air quality, detect overheating machines, and even alert managers before accidents happen. Wearable devices can monitor a worker's fatigue or exposure to harmful chemicals in real time. Some companies are using virtual reality (VR) to simulate emergency drills, giving workers life-saving practice in a safe setting. These tools reduce accidents and save lives. Bangladesh has started to use some of these ideas. For example, Better Work Bangladesh has a mobile app where workers can anonymously report safety issues, speeding up resolving issues from weeks to just days.

Traditional top-down management is slowly giving way to more open, inclusive approaches. At Unilever, monthly forums allow workers to share concerns anonymously. These Voice of Worker platforms ensure that feedback is collected and enforced. Globally, 360-degree feedback systems, where peers, supervisors, and subordinates evaluate each other, are improving both trust and productivity. Data shows unionised workplaces with such tools see more engagement and quicker problem-solving. When workers feel heard, they stay longer, work harder, and contribute ideas. In this way, digital feedback becomes a path to real empowerment.

Paying workers fairly isn't just about ethics, it's also good economics. A living wage in Bangladesh is estimated at Taka 19,200 per month, but many still earn only Taka 12,500 or less on average. This wage gap forces 68 per cent of garment workers in Dhaka to borrow money just to pay for food or rent. Yet research shows that when wages rise, productivity also goes up. Companies that offer fair pay see lower turnover and better work quality.

Preparing workers for the digital economy is no longer optional. Bangladesh's Aastha initiative trains garment workers in basic computer skills and machine operations. This not only boosts current productivity but also makes them ready for future jobs in an Industry 4.0 world. Investing in skill development offers a great return: each dollar spent can generate nearly five dollars in value. Upskilling workers also reduces reliance on external hiring, which is often costly and inefficient. For a country with a large youth population, digital training programs can unlock both economic growth and individual empowerment.

Government action is critical for technology-driven labour reform. Proposed updates to Bangladesh's labour law aim to do that. These include increasing the minimum wage, lowering the threshold for union formation, and extending protections to gig workers. Workplace well-being includes mental health as well, which is something often ignored in traditional labour discussions. Long hours, job stress, and poor conditions are taking a toll on workers' mental health. Absenteeism from stress-related issues increased by 22 per cent in Bangladesh since 2022. Leading companies are starting to respond by integrating mental health services into occupational safety programs. AI tools can also help by flagging signs of burnout based on work patterns and feedback. These steps are crucial, not only for workers' safety but also for preventing productivity loss.

This May Day presents an opportunity for decisive action. The integration of AI and digital tools into workplace systems offers a powerful way to address pressing issues of safety, fairness, and labour empowerment. However, technology must work hand in hand with thoughtful policy reforms, ethical corporate leadership, and a strong legal framework. Organisations that prioritise health, safety, and worker voice will not only uplift lives but also gain long-term business advantages. If Bangladesh is to build a fairer, more competitive future, it must place workers' well-being at the heart of its digital transformation.

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