Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday underlined the need for taking preparation from right now to deal with the possible changes that would happen in the domestic and international labour markets as a result of the 4th industrial revolution (4IR). “We’ve a huge labour force, which will have to be included in it. They will have to be trained, educated and developed as skilled manpower,” she said. The premier was addressing the inauguration of 24th national convention and 43rd council session of Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB) in the city’s Osmani Memorial Auditorium, joining it through a virtual platform from Ganobhaban. She said her government has emphasized skills enhancement, employment growth, strengthening technology and institutional capacity, regional connectivity and infrastructure development, economic and social equity, women empowerment and ensuring equal opportunities for all to face the changed situation. Read: Work for more food production amid looming crisis, PM Hasina urges BCL members She said that the skills development programmes have been launched to face the challenges induced by the 4IR and to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “Because it is very essential to develop skilled manpower,” she added. “In this era of 4IR, the use of technology, artificial intelligence and robotics are important factors,” said the PM. She said the 4IR will hugely impact Bangladesh's economy and employment. The use of robots and technology with artificial intelligence has already started in the readymade garment sector in the country and will start in other sectors gradually. As a result of the use of robots and technology with artificial intelligence, the productivity in the RMG sector is increasing and the quality of the clothes is improving simultaneously, she went on. Putting emphasis on technical education, the premier said it is essential to bring a radical change in the country’s education system. “We’ve already brought changes here,” she said. “We are implementing comprehensive programmes in science and technology, and technical education to turn manpower into human resources,” she said, mentioning different steps and plans of the government in this regard.