Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday underlined the need for taking measures right away to deal with the possible changes that would happen in the domestic and international labour markets as a result of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR).
“We have 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 the 24th national convention and 43rd council session of the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB) in the city’s Osmani Memorial Auditorium, joining it through a virtual platform from Ganabhaban.
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.
She said that the skills development programs 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 have a huge impact on our 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.
Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque and State Minister for Housing and Public Works Sharif Ahmed spoke on the occasion.
IDEB President AKMA Hamid presided over the function, while its General Secretary Shamsur Rahman delivered the welcome speech.
The IDEB, a professional body of the country’s more than 5,00,000 diploma engineers, was founded in 1970.
The PM unveiled the cover of a souvenir published by Bangabandhu Dilopma Engineers’ Parishad featuring the life and works of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
