Speakers at a roundtable organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) have underscored the urgent need to develop skilled human resources to address the challenges of the evolving global economy shaped by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

The discussion, titled “Smart Human Resource Development in the Context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” was held on Monday (27 Oct) at the DCCI auditorium, said a press release.

Nazneen Kauser Chowdhury, executive chairman of the National Skill Development Authority (NSDA), attended as the chief guest.

In his welcome remarks, DCCI President Taskin Ahmed said that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is transforming production systems, businesses, and labour markets — especially through the impact of artificial intelligence (AI).

Citing the World Economic Forum, he noted that nearly a quarter of current jobs will change within the next five years.

“Smart, technology-oriented human resources will be Bangladesh’s key strength in the post-LDC era,” he added, emphasising reforms in education and closer links between academia and industry.

Nazneen highlighted the need for better coordination among government training agencies and greater awareness about skill development, saying the NSDA has initiated programmes to teach Japanese language skills in preparation for sending 100,000 skilled workers to Japan, and emphasised women’s skills training.

Presenting the keynote paper, M Niaz Asadullah, visiting professor of Economics at the University of Reading, UK, said a 2019 A2i and UNDP study projected that by 2030, about 5.38 million jobs in Bangladesh’s RMG, food, agriculture, furniture, and hospitality sectors may be displaced due to automation.

He called for enhanced technical education and increased budget allocations for skill development.

Other discussants included representatives from BUET, East West University, NSDA, Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, ICMAB, British American Tobacco, Transcom Group, and Brain Station 23.

They stressed modernising education, promoting technical and vocational training, and aligning academic curricula with industrial needs.

Participants also proposed creating a national council to coordinate training initiatives and monitor outcomes.

The event was attended by DCCI Senior Vice President Rajib H Chowdhury, Vice President Md Salim Solaiman, board members, and various stakeholders.