Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly altering the employment business sector across the globe, and Bangladesh cannot afford to be a mere spectator of the process. Companies are already adopting AI in their recruitment system around the globe, which changes the way candidates are judged and the way employment decisions are made. For a nation where the young population is huge, as in the case of Bangladesh, this revolution is a great challenge as well as a historic opportunity.
AI technologies are already transforming the recruitment process in most developed economies. In the United States, almost a quarter of the companies today utilise AI in one of the phases of recruitment. In other instances, AI systems will take over initial interviews where they ask prospective employees questions via machines. Applicants answer questions using video tapes, and the tapes are subject to analysis by AI software. Algorithms check the tone, facial expression, body language, confidence, and style of communication. According to these observations, the system generates a score that aids the employer in determining whether or not candidates are suitable. This is a form of technology that is slowly making its way into the new hiring ecosystem.
In the case of such countries as Bangladesh, the consequences are immense. The ancient notion that a university degree is a sure way of securing employment is also being questioned across the globe. Although degrees will still play a decisive role in professions like medicine, engineering, architecture, scientific research, and public policy, most sectors are changing to the model of skills-based evaluation.
Employers are starting to focus on practical capabilities and human aspects that are not easily measured using conventional exams. Critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving capability, communication, teamwork, flexibility, and the ability to work with AI tools are some of the skills that are getting increasingly valuable.
The education and employment facilities of Bangladesh are facing a specific challenge because of this shift. The academic culture in the country has, over the decades, put an excessive focus on examination performance and theoretical information. A large number of students are so textbook-oriented that they do not pay much attention to extracurricular activities, leadership building, community service, or field experience, as well as Govt. has various curricula followed.
This strategy might not be sufficient in the AI-controlled future. The new market of employment will probably favour those who not only have the academic credentials but also various abilities and social intelligence. Leadership, collaboration, and creativity, which are not readily replicated by machines, may be developed by participating in debate clubs, volunteering, participating in sports, cultural activities, and innovation programs.
Learning institutions of Bangladesh should thus think again the way they prepare their students in anticipation of the future. The reform of the curriculum, awareness of digital literacy, awareness of AI, and skills-based learning should become the priorities. Learners have to be taught to not only compete with technology, but also collaborate with it. Simultaneously, policymakers and the business world should be aware of the necessity to prepare the workforce for the era of AI. Bangladesh will need to invest in education of technology, vocational training, innovation hubs and research ecosystems to be able to keep up with the global economy.
The population in the country is one of the youngest in the world. This age resource might turn into a strong driver of development; however, only under the condition that the young generation is provided with the skills of the new digital economy. The development of artificial intelligence is unavoidable. The issue that is facing Bangladesh is whether it will be able to adjust fast enough to take advantage of this change or will it lose out.
Academic degrees will not solely characterise the future employment sector. It will reward flexibility, innovativeness, emotional intelligence and the capability to operate in a world where machines and humans are collaborating more and more.
The writer is a Protection Specialist and CEO, Favor Consultancy. E-mail: [email protected]
