Ushering in a new era of work
The global job market is changing faster than ever before, driven by shifts in technology, demographics, and the rise of new industries. These changes are not just limited to advanced economies; they are impacting countries like ours, where rapid economic growth and a young, ambitious workforce are driving conversations about the future of work. While some job roles are charging forward, others are quietly fading into the background. The recent 'Future of Jobs Report 2025' published by World Economic Forum provides critical insights into this new era of work, exploring how these changes are reshaping employment opportunities worldwide.
The first key takeaway is a surprising one: frontline and essential jobs are booming. Farmworkers, delivery drivers, and tradespeople in construction-related roles are expected to see massive growth. At first glance, this seems counterintuitive in a world obsessed with tech startups, cryptocurrency, and the metaverse. So why the rise in these roles? The answer lies in changing demographics. As populations age, particularly in developed countries, the demand for food security, efficient logistics, and infrastructure upgrades is climbing. Similarly, the rapid growth in the gig-economy, powered by e-commerce and quick delivery systems, highlights why roles like light truck drivers and delivery workers are soaring in demand. With e-commerce global companies thriving in Bangladesh, the groundwork for this sector is already laid. The challenge now lies in creating safe, well-paying jobs that leverage technology for scalability.
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On the other side of the coin, tech roles are unsurprisingly the golden ticket to future-proofing your career. AI specialists, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts are becoming the architects of tomorrow's world. For a country like Bangladesh, where we are already making strides in IT outsourcing and software exports, this comes as excellent news. But here's the catch—not everyone is invited to the tech party. The reality is, a large portion of our workforce is stuck in low-skill or semi-skilled roles. Without urgent and widespread upskilling initiatives, we risk being left behind as the global economy embraces AI-driven transformation. What's more alarming is that some roles in tech are actually declining.
For example graphic designers suffer the most when tools like ChatGPT, DALL·E, and Canva Pro democratise creativity. Suddenly, anyone can whip up a professional-looking design, reducing the demand for full-time designers. For our growing freelance community, heavily reliant on graphic design and web development gigs, this could be a storm on the horizon.
The report mentions that traditional desk jobs are in decline. Cashiers, administrative assistants, and clerks—roles once considered stable—are being replaced by automation and self-service technology. Even professions like accounting and auditing, long viewed as untouchable, are beginning to feel the heat. This trend should serve as a wake-up call for the burgeoning middle class. For decades, the dream was simple: get a degree, land a desk job, and climb the corporate ladder. But as AI continues to take over routine tasks, the ladder is disappearing altogether. The question then becomes: how do we prepare for a future where stability is the exception, not the norm?
While technology charges ahead, the irony is that human skills like creativity, resilience, and collaboration are more valuable than ever. Employers are no longer just looking for workers who can do the job; they want employees who can think critically, adapt quickly, and lead with empathy. For Bangladesh, this is both an opportunity and a challenge. We are uniquely positioned to capitalise on these global trends, but only if we act quickly and decisively. First of all, we need to invest in upskilling. Public and private partnerships must focus on providing affordable, accessible upskilling programs. From AI and data analytics to soft skills like leadership and resilience, the training needs to be relevant to both emerging technologies and evolving human roles.
Next, we need to prioritise the essential sectors. It is easy to get caught up in the buzz around tech, but let us not forget the basics. Agriculture, healthcare, and education are essential not just for our survival but for our growth as a nation. By modernising these sectors through innovation and investment, we can create millions of sustainable jobs while addressing critical societal needs. Finally, we need to foster entrepreneurship by reforming the startup ecosystem. With traditional career paths becoming less reliable, entrepreneurship could indeed become the safety net of the future. By supporting small businesses and startups, be it through funding, mentorship, or infrastructure, we can empower individuals to create their own opportunities and more jobs in the long run.
Amid all the disruption, one thing remains clear: change is not inherently bad. Yes, some jobs will disappear, but others will rise to take their place. For Bangladesh, the key lies in our ability to adapt. Currently, the global economy is playing musical chairs, and the music is speeding up. We can either scramble to find a seat when it stops or build a bigger, better chair before anyone else does.
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