Robotics or artificial intelligence is not going to be a catalyst for unemployment, but will instead create job opportunities in various associated sectors, panelists at a session said on Monday.
The comments were made by panelists during a session titled ‘Rise of AI and the impact on BPO” on the final day of the third iteration of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) summit, an event designed to encourage younger generations to work in the ICT sector, at a city hotel in Dhaka.
In order to push the development of the Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO (Ep-EDMaa), the panel stressed on the importance of collaborative activities between humans and artificial intelligence in order to make headway in the field.
The panelists discussed the importance of Artificial Intelligence and how it can be used to maximize profits for the BPO industry, leading to development in Bangladesh.
As the keynote speaker, Co-Founder and CTO of Infolyx Inc Dr Zunaid Kazi said: “The time has come to conduct research and learn more about machines, robotics, and automation since we can develop the BPO industry with Artificial intelligence (AI). Developed countries are improving their BPO sector using the same, so it is of great importance to Bangladesh.”
“It is a misconception that machines will actually reduce the demand for human resources. On the contrary, machines will create huge opportunities in our job fields. They will lead to an increase in livelihood as more human brains will be required to operate those machines,” he added.
However, the expert stated that it is important to educate people about technology in order to make this happen.
“We need training for cognitive technology, data engineering, software, and computer engineering, and it should be included into our education system to reap the benefits,” he added.
Syed Farhad Ahmed, Managing Director of Aamra Networks Limited said joint efforts by AI and humans can help develop the BPO industry.
“Why are people scared of robotics? A robot is not a replacement for a human, but rather a tool to be implemented. We need to increase our skill and experience in the field and research the matter in order to jointly work in the field using AI,” he added.
Quazi Zaman, managing director at Cricket Point said proper use of technology is required to achieve high economic growth through the BPO sector.
“Bangladesh has began working with BPO via call centers, but more needs to be done to develop the overall potential of the industry,” he said.
Associate Professor and Chairperson, Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering, Dhaka University Lafifa Jamal said: “The truth is the demand for low-skilled labour will decrease when use of technology rises, along with that the demand of higher skilled labour will increase.”
“Software and automation will be handled by experts who are skilled in technology and AI,” she added.
Tanjirul Basher, CEO and Managing Director of My Outsourcing Limited said the next target of BPO companies is to earn US$1 billion from the sector and joint effort by AI and human resources is required to make this happen.
Science and technology minister Yeafesh Osman said Bangladesh is slowly progressing in the BPO industry and there is a lot of money to be made in the industry.
“We have started technology based basic education service in schools and we hope that the application of this knowledge will help in building broad skills in the sector,” he added.
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
