Published: 11:58 PM, 12 September 2026
AI Is a Loud and Clear Threat to Unskilled Human Resources
The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the world of work at an unprecedented pace. While AI offers enormous opportunities for economic growth, innovation and efficiency, it also poses a serious threat to unskilled and low-skilled human resources. For developing countries like Bangladesh, where a large number of workers depend on routine and manual jobs, the rise of AI deserves careful attention.
Machines have already replaced human workers in many repetitive tasks, and AI is accelerating this process. In factories, offices, shops, banks and service centres, automated systems can perform tasks that once required large numbers of employees. Data entry, basic customer service, bookkeeping, translation, document processing and other routine activities can increasingly be handled by AI-powered software.
The threat is particularly significant for workers who have limited education, technical knowledge or opportunities for retraining. When companies adopt AI to reduce costs and increase productivity, they may require fewer workers. Skilled employees who know how to operate and manage new technologies may benefit, while unskilled workers may find it increasingly difficult to compete in the job market.
Bangladesh has a large labour force, and millions of people are employed in sectors such as garments, agriculture, construction, transport and informal services. Although not all these jobs can be easily automated, technological change may gradually reduce demand for workers in certain occupations. The country's garment industry, for example, may increasingly adopt automated machines for cutting, sewing, quality control and inventory management.
However, AI should not be viewed only as an enemy of employment. Historically, technological progress has also created new occupations and industries. The real challenge is ensuring that workers are prepared for these new opportunities. Without proper education and training, however, many workers could be left behind.
The government, educational institutions and private sector must therefore work together to prepare the workforce for an AI-driven economy. Technical and vocational education should be strengthened, while digital literacy should become an essential part of education. Workers should have affordable opportunities to learn skills such as computer operation, digital communication, machine maintenance, data management and other technology-related abilities.
Businesses also have a responsibility to retrain employees instead of simply replacing them wherever possible. Investment in human capital can create a workforce capable of working alongside AI rather than competing directly with machines.
