Risks and hazards of rising AI in Bangladesh

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly integrates into various sectors globally, its influence in Bangladesh is steadily growing. From agriculture to education, and healthcare to governance, AI holds immense promise for advancing development goals. However, the rise of AI in Bangladesh is not without risks and challenges. Addressing these hazards is crucial to ensuring equitable and sustainable progress.

Job displacement and economic inequality

AI's ability to automate tasks threatens to disrupt traditional job markets. In Bangladesh, where sectors like garments and textiles rely heavily on manual labor, automation could render many workers obsolete. A 2020 International Labour Organization report estimated that nearly 60 per cent of garment workers in Asia face potential job displacement due to automation. The informal economy, which constitutes a significant portion of Bangladesh's workforce, is also at risk. As AI-driven systems replace manual work in logistics, retail, and transportation, a lack of digital skills could leave millions unemployed, exacerbating economic inequality.

Ethical concerns in data usage

AI systems thrive on data, yet Bangladesh lacks robust regulations to safeguard personal information. As businesses and institutions increasingly adopt AI-driven technologies, concerns about data privacy loom large. Sensitive information, such as health records and financial data, may be misused or fall into the wrong hands. The absence of a comprehensive data protection framework leaves room for exploitation. Without clear guidelines, individuals could face violations of privacy, discrimination, or even social stigmatization based on AI-driven profiling.

Widening the digital divide

Bangladesh has made significant progress in digital transformation, but rural areas still lag behind in access to technology and digital literacy. The rise of AI could widen this gap, as urban populations with greater technological access reap the benefits, leaving rural communities further marginalized.

This digital divide risks creating a two-tier society where opportunities for education, healthcare, and employment are unevenly distributed. It also hampers the government's goal of inclusive development outlined in the Vision 2041 agenda.

Algorithmic bias and discrimination

AI systems are only as unbiased as the data they are trained on. If AI models in Bangladesh are developed using incomplete or skewed datasets, they may perpetuate or amplify societal biases.

For instance, an AI recruitment tool could inadvertently favor candidates from urban areas over rural ones due to inherent biases in training data. Similarly, facial recognition systems might perform poorly on individuals with darker skin tones, leading to misidentifications and discrimination.

Security risks and cyber threats

AI-powered tools can be a double-edged sword when it comes to cybersecurity. While AI strengthens defenses against cyberattacks, it also empowers malicious actors to develop sophisticated hacking techniques.

Bangladesh's financial sector, which has faced high-profile cyberattacks in the past-such as the $81 million Bangladesh Bank heist-could be further exposed to AI-driven threats. Additionally, critical infrastructure, including energy grids and transportation systems, could become vulnerable to AI-enabled sabotage.

Dependency on foreign technology

Bangladesh heavily relies on imported AI solutions, often from global tech giants. This dependency raises concerns about digital sovereignty and long-term economic resilience. Foreign-developed

AI tools may prioritize corporate interests over local needs, limiting Bangladesh's ability to control its own technological future.

Mitigating the risks: a path forward

To harness AI's potential while minimizing its risks, Bangladesh must adopt a proactive and inclusive approach. Strengthening policy and regulation is essential. Enacting comprehensive data protection laws to safeguard privacy and developing AI-specific guidelines to ensure ethical and transparent use should be priorities. Upskilling the workforce is another critical step. Launching nationwide digital literacy programs and partnering with industries to reskill workers in vulnerable sectors can help mitigate job displacement.

Promoting local innovation will reduce dependency on foreign technology. Investments in AI research and development, coupled with public-private partnerships, can create solutions tailored to Bangladesh's needs. Bridging the digital divide is equally important. Expanding internet access and technological infrastructure in rural areas, alongside ensuring equitable access to AI-driven benefits, will prevent further marginalization.

Finally, fostering global collaboration will allow Bangladesh to adopt best practices in AI governance and address cross-border challenges. Engaging in international dialogues and collaborating with neighboring countries can provide valuable insights and resources for responsible AI adoption. The rise of AI in Bangladesh is a double-edged sword, offering transformative potential while presenting significant risks. A thoughtful, inclusive approach to AI adoption can ensure that its benefits are shared equitably, while minimizing its hazards. By prioritizing ethical use, capacity-building, and local innovation, Bangladesh can navigate the AI revolution responsibly, securing a future that aligns with its development aspirations.