The speakers made the remarks while speaking at a seminar on “4th Industrial Revolution: Potentials for Bangladesh Economy” organized by Industries Ministry at Bangabadhu International Conference Center in the capital.
Dr. Nazneen Ahmed, senior research fellow of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) delivered the keynote.
She said that the nature of jobs will change following the 4 IR. New employment will be created so labour should be skilled and innovative. Garment workers, especially women, should be trained up about modern machineries and new technology.
Dr M. Rokonuzzaman, professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Department of North South University, claimed that there can be no proper research in universities without incentives.
“There are lower budgets on science and technology in poor countries. We should think of knowledge-based economy not only labour-based economy. We are upset to see that an uneducated driver’s salary and a graduated youth’s salary are same in our country. Where is our country’s education value,” he added.
Ferdaus Ara Begum, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD) said a technology transfer center should be built in the country. It will transfer ideas to industries.
“Now we can buy all things from one line market sitting at home. So many workers are being jobless. We must increase technological activities for job creation,” she also said.
Md Abdul Halim, secretary of Industries Ministry as chief guest said that there are many questions as to whether the country is in the first second or third Industrial Revolution. “Actually we can go to the 4 IR from the first. We are working to make policy for 4 IR,” he added.
Salahuddin Mahmud, additional secretary of the ministry, presided over the function. He said that the fourth revolution seminar is a pragmatic initiative as Bangladesh is now a role model of development. “We will make policy to take ideas from the discussion,” Mahmud said.