Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre

Savar, Dhaka-1343.

SFTC for 2nd SFTC DMTCL

Module: 04, Digital Leadership & Strategic Planning
Individual Assignment

Name: Md. Rashidun Nawaz Shaown

Roll Number: 134
What is Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is the current era of technological

advancement that is marked by the convergence of digital, physical, and
biological technologies. It builds upon the previous three industrial revolutions,
which were characterised by mechanization, mass production, automation and AI.

4IR’s Challenges and Opportunities

While Bangladesh's foray into the 4th Industrial Revolution has revved up
manufacturing output and unlocked avenues for enterprising individuals, it has
also triggered concerns about widening disparities and automation-driven job
losses. To bridge this gap and ensure everyone benefits from this technological
wave, the government is actively driving initiatives like "Skill Development for
Industry 4.0

Figure: Entrepreneurship Ranking of Bangladesh

Challenges in Summary: Despite the challenges, Impressive strides have been
made in Bangladesh’s digital transformation, due to the active engagement of
both the government and the private sector at the micro-level of international
trade.

 Job displacement: Automation in industries like RMG, a cornerstone of the

economy, threatens low-skilled jobs, demanding a reskilling revolution.

 Skill gap: The current education system struggles to equip youth with the
digital and technical skills required for 4thIR jobs.

 Digital divide: Unequal access to internet and technology creates a two-

tiered society, excluding many from the digital economy.

 Infrastructure bottlenecks: Power outages and unreliable internet hinder

innovation and digital adoption.

 Policy vacuum: Unforeseen issues like data privacy, cyber security, and
ethical AI use require robust regulations.

 Investment constraints: Limited financial resources make adopting

advanced technologies and upgrading infrastructure an uphill battle.

Bangladesh_Government’s Initiative towards fostering 4IR :

The GoB is focusing on 3 issues to prepare for the 4IR:

 The development of the industry through the innovation of sophisticated

technology

 The creation of a Skilled Workforce

 The Protection of the Environment

Figure: Govt. Steps to cope with challenges of 4IR

The adoption of blockchain-based supply chain finance, exemplified by the recent

transaction, has significantly reduced LC processing time and streamlined
operations. However, there is still untapped potential in leveraging technologies
like Blockchain and Big data analytics in daily business operations.

Charting a course for success for Bangladesh:

 Equipping the workforce: Upskilling and reskilling initiatives, focusing on

digital literacy, STEM education, and vocational training, are essential to
bridge the skill gap.

 Unleashing innovation: Fostering entrepreneurship and supporting SMEs

to develop solutions for emerging sectors can create new jobs and drive
growth.
  Bridging the digital divide: Expanding internet access, improving network
reliability, and ensuring affordable data costs are crucial for inclusive
participation.

 Building a regulatory framework: Developing policies that promote

responsible AI, data privacy, and cyber security will foster trust and
innovation.

 Collaboration is key: Public-private partnerships between government,

businesses, and academia can leverage resources and expertise effectively.

 Leveraging strengths: Bangladesh's young population and growing IT talent

pool are valuable assets that can be nurtured into a competitive advantage.

By proactively addressing these challenges and strategically adopting the 4thIR,

Bangladesh can harness its full potential and build a future where technology
empowers all its citizens