Navigating the 4IR highway: Bangladesh’s blueprint for digital transformation

The world is navigating the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), an era marked by exponential change and rapid technological advancements. This transformative age is reshaping workplaces, societies and lifestyles, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for efficiency, innovation and improved quality of life. However, it also brings forth challenges related to ethics, employment, privacy, and more.

For Bangladesh, the 4IR presents a unique opportunity to enhance citizen services, uplift lives, and build a human-centric nation. To harness this potential, a comprehensive national digital transformation strategy is indispensable. Such a strategy will not only position Bangladesh on the 4IR highway but also ensure greater transparency and accountability.

Digital transformation is a continuous, evolving process that must adapt to technological, social and economic shifts. A multi-stakeholder governance approach, now a global standard, is essential to drive this transformation successfully. Strategic planning, forward-looking legislation, and robust policies and regulations in areas such as telecom, IT, cybersecurity, and data protection are critical to achieving an effective and inclusive digital transformation.

Some key qualifiers of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) include:

Artificial intelligence (AI): AI and machine learning are transforming workplaces, industries, education, and healthcare by automating tasks and enhancing decision-making through predictive analytics.

Cyber-physical systems (CPS): CPS is emerging in ecosystems such as smart factories, autonomous vehicles and the Internet of Things (IoT), where devices connect and communicate to optimise operations in real time.

Big data and advanced analytics: These technologies enable governments and businesses to gain deep insights into consumer behaviour, operational efficiency and future trends.

3D printing and additive manufacturing: This innovation allows for the creation of complex, customised products directly from digital models, revolutionising manufacturing, healthcare (prosthetics), and construction.

Biotechnology and genetic engineering: Advances in biotechnology are driving personalised medicine, gene editing (such as CRISPR), and innovations in agriculture and food production.

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR): AR and VR are reshaping digital interactions, offering immersive experiences in training, entertainment, and education.

Sustainability and green technologies: These focus on renewable energy, energy-efficient systems, and green manufacturing processes to address climate change and environmental sustainability.

Bangladesh's journey through the Third Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution, 1970s–2000s) was marked by modest growth in telecommunications and IT infrastructure, limited automation and the early development of software and IT services. As a result, the benefits reaped were far below global benchmarks.

Similarly, embracing 4IR presents challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, skill gaps, and uneven digital access. Government institutions and academia often lack expertise and coordination in this regard. Moreover, a lack of international collaboration has left Bangladesh disconnected from global digital initiatives. There is also a gap in coordination between government and non-government organisations.

A well-planned digital strategy can leverage emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to create a more inclusive, transparent, and dynamic socio-economic landscape. To achieve this, several key objectives must be prioritised.

For Bangladesh to fully take hold of the great potentials of 4IR, strategic planning is crucial in social, political and economic sectors. Digital transformation is the key to be on the super highway of 4IR. 

To this end, Bangladesh needs a comprehensive national digital transformation strategy, enabling policy and regulatory reforms, universal digital connectivity, capacity building, digital inclusion, and monitoring & evaluation mechanisms. 

Multistakeholders' collaborative approach with international, governmental, non-governmental and commercial bodies, along with civil society and academia will enable Bangladesh to effectively leverage technology for socio-economic development and create a prosperous digital future for all its citizens.

A thriving digital economy is crucial for sustained economic growth and social well-being. Bangladesh must foster online businesses, e-commerce, and fintech to drive economic expansion. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) should be encouraged to build infrastructure and develop innovative digital solutions. 

Job creation in IT, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and e-commerce can equip the workforce for the evolving job market. Additionally, digital platforms can streamline social welfare programs, ensuring efficient service delivery to those in need.

Governance and public service delivery can be significantly improved through digital transformation. E-governance initiatives can streamline bureaucratic processes, enhancing efficiency and reducing delays. 

Digital public services must be made widely accessible, allowing citizens to engage with healthcare, education, taxation, and social welfare systems online. Greater digital transparency can also reduce corruption and strengthen trust in government institutions.

Developing a robust digital infrastructure is essential for Bangladesh's digital future. Nationwide high-speed internet connectivity must be prioritised, especially in underserved rural areas. 

Secure and scalable digital platforms should be developed to ensure efficient service delivery in both the public and private sectors. Digital sovereignty is another key concern—protecting citizens' digital rights, ensuring freedom of expression, and securing data privacy must be embedded within the transformation strategy. 

Strengthening cybersecurity measures and enforcing privacy regulations will be critical in safeguarding personal data and critical infrastructure.

Equipping citizens with digital skills is fundamental to sustaining digital progress. A national digital literacy program must be integrated into the education system to prepare the workforce for the digital economy. 

Government and private institutions also need digital readiness training to facilitate smooth technological adaptation across sectors. Promoting digital entrepreneurship can drive innovation and create opportunities for young entrepreneurs. At the same time, bridging the digital divide will ensure that technology benefits all, particularly marginalised and rural communities.

Finally, regional and international cooperation is essential for knowledge sharing and technological advancements. Bangladesh must collaborate with global organisations to enhance its digital transformation efforts, drawing from successful models worldwide. By implementing a comprehensive digital strategy, the country can position itself as a competitive player in the 4IR era, ensuring inclusive growth and a prosperous digital future for all.

The United Nations (UN) and other global institutions have recognised the transformative potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), launching initiatives to ensure its benefits are inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. These efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing both opportunities and challenges in digital transformation. 

Bangladesh stands to gain significantly from engaging with international and regional organisations such as the UNDP's Digital Transformation for Development, UNESCO's Artificial Intelligence and Ethics, and the G20's Digital Economy and 4IR initiatives. By fostering collaboration and coordination, the country can accelerate its own digital evolution.

A successful digital transformation strategy requires a dedicated, well-resourced authority to oversee and implement national policies. Establishing a Digital Bangladesh Authority (DBA) could centralise strategic oversight, ensuring alignment across the public and private sectors. 

This body would be responsible for interministerial coordination, policy formulation on cybersecurity and digital literacy, and securing investment from both domestic and international sources. Additionally, a strong monitoring and evaluation framework would help track progress and address challenges effectively.

To drive this transformation, a robust governance structure is essential. A Digital Transformation Cabinet, comprising key ministers and experts from IT, finance, education, and industry, would ensure high-level decision-making remains a national priority. Sector-specific advisory boards, such as those for fintech, smart cities, and e-governance, could provide expertise and guidance to ensure strategies remain adaptable to technological advancements.

Failure to embrace digital transformation risks Bangladesh falling out of sync with the rest of the world. Economic stagnation, declining global competitiveness, and missed opportunities in sectors like healthcare, education, and fintech could significantly hinder progress. 

Without digital inclusion, rural and marginalised communities will remain underserved, exacerbating inequality. A lack of cybersecurity measures and digital literacy could also expose the country to cyber threats, while an absence of innovation-driven growth may lead to brain drain and reduced foreign investment. Moreover, inefficiencies in governance and a widening digital divide will further weaken Bangladesh's long-term development prospects.

To secure its place in the digital future, Bangladesh must act decisively. By leveraging international collaborations, strengthening institutional frameworks, and ensuring nationwide digital accessibility, the country can harness 4IR technologies for inclusive and sustainable growth. The time to act is now.

Sketch: TBS

Brigadier General Mohammad Khalil Ur Rahman is a telecommunications expert. 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.