Navigating local talent development and the role of foreign workers
In the contemporary, rapidly evolving global economy, technological advancements, automation, and shifting workforce dynamics are redefining job markets. Bangladesh, a nation with a burgeoning economy and a substantial labour force, is significantly impacted by these global trends. While the country is making progress in enhancing its educational framework and workforce development, the increasing presence of foreign workers in key sectors highlights substantial challenges and opportunities for Bangladeshis. This growing trend of foreign professionals occupying various roles raises critical questions about the future of employment in Bangladesh and the policies that must be implemented to ensure that local talents can thrive.
This investigation explores the manner in which global skill trends are transforming work and learning paradigms in Bangladesh, the ramifications of the presence of foreign workers, and the policy measures the government should implement to ensure increased employment opportunities for Bangladeshi citizens in their domestic market while concurrently leveraging foreign expertise.
As economies across the world become more digitised and interconnected, there is an unprecedented demand for specialised skills. Sectors such as information technology, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and data science are growing rapidly, and these fields require highly skilled workers who can keep pace with technological changes. In response to these global demands, many countries, including Bangladesh, are working to update their educational systems to equip the next generation with the skills necessary for these sectors.
Bangladesh has made commendable efforts, particularly through the “Digital Bangladesh” initiative, which has accelerated development in the tech sector, with a focus on areas like software development, digital marketing, and e-commerce. However, despite these efforts, many businesses in Bangladesh are facing significant skills shortages. This shortage is particularly evident in highly technical areas like AI, data analytics, and advanced IT. As a result, the country has seen an increasing number of foreign workers, especially from neighbouring countries such as India, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines, filling these specialised roles in industries such as IT, telecommunications, and manufacturing.
Foreign workers bring specialised expertise and international experience that can help accelerate growth in key sectors. For example, professionals from more advanced technology sectors have played an instrumental role in enhancing productivity in IT, telecommunications, and manufacturing. They often transfer valuable skills and technical knowledge to local employees, which can help drive innovation and growth. Additionally, foreign professionals can attract more foreign investment into Bangladesh, as multinational companies feel more secure knowing they can access the talent they need to thrive in the local market.
However, the increasing inclusion of foreign workers also presents challenges. While the expertise they bring in is undeniable, their presence can sometimes limit job opportunities for local workers, especially in middle- to high-level managerial or technical roles. This can create frustration among local professionals, many of whom feel that they are being sidelined in favor of foreign employees, even in their own country. For Bangladeshis, this has the potential to reinforce cycles of underemployment or low-wage work,
as more lucrative positions are filled by outsiders. Moreover, the perception that foreign workers are better suited to handle more complex roles can hinder the professional advancement of local workers, reducing their chances to gain critical experience and climb the career ladder.
The key reason for this growing reliance on foreign labour is the evident skills gap within Bangladesh’s own workforce. While Bangladesh has made progress in improving its education system, the gap remains significant, particularly in specialised fields like AI, advanced data science, and high-end manufacturing. Many Bangladeshis lack the advanced technical skills and practical experience that are now essential in these industries. This skills gap is often filled by foreign workers who have the technical expertise that local industries need but cannot readily find domestically.
To address this issue and reduce the country’s reliance on foreign workers, the government needs to take a strategic approach to closing the skills gap. One of the most effective ways to do this is by revamping the education system, especially at the tertiary and vocational levels. There needs to be a stronger focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects, ensuring that students are not just learning theory, but are also developing the critical thinking and practical skills required for the digital economy. Moreover, vocational and technical training programmes should be more aligned with industry needs, offering practical, hands-on experience that prepares graduates for specific roles in sectors like IT, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Another critical factor in addressing the skills gap is the role of partnerships between the public and private sectors. Collabourations between the government, educational institutions, and industries can help ensure that the skills being taught in classrooms are aligned with the needs of employers. By offering internships, apprenticeships, and industry-linked training programs, students can gain real-world experience that will make them more competitive in the job market. Such initiatives also allow employers to actively participate in shaping the skill sets of the next generation of workers, reducing the need to look abroad for talent.
In addition to improving formal education, there is a growing need for Bangladesh to foster a culture of lifelong learning and continuous skill development. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, workers need to be able to adapt and upskill throughout their careers. The government can play a key role in promoting lifelong learning by offering financial incentives, such as subsidies or tax breaks, to companies that invest in upskilling their employees. Furthermore, online learning platforms like Coursera and edX can offer affordable and flexible options for workers looking to acquire new skills in high-demand fields.
While addressing the local skills gap is essential, it’s equally important to recognise that foreign workers will continue to play a role in Bangladesh’s development. Instead of focusing solely on reducing foreign employment, the government should aim at a balanced approach that prioritises local employment while also welcoming foreign expertise where necessary. For example, companies could be required to demonstrate significant efforts to hire locally before being granted permission to employ foreign workers. Additionally, policies could be introduced to encourage “skills transfer” from foreign professionals to local workers, ensuring that foreign expertise contributes to long-term capacity-building within Bangladesh.
Knowledge sharing and collabouration between foreign and local workers can benefit both parties and contribute to the broader development of the country’s workforce. Foreign professionals often bring global best practices and technical proficiency, which, when shared with local workers, can significantly enhance local industries’ competitiveness. This kind of exchange helps foster innovation and improves productivity, making it a win-win situation for the economy.
The inclusion of foreign workers in Bangladesh’s job market is an issue that requires careful consideration and action from the government. On the one hand, foreign professionals provide critical skills and knowledge that are currently lacking in many industries. On the other hand, the over-reliance on foreign workers can limit opportunities for Bangladeshis and perpetuate existing disparities in the job market.
To address these challenges, the government must focus on improving local workforce development while managing the inclusion of foreign workers in a way that benefits the long-term economic growth of the country. This requires investing in education, fostering public-private partnerships, and creating policies that ensure foreign workers contribute to the development of local talent. In doing so, Bangladesh can build a stronger, more competitive workforce that is capable of thriving in the global economy.
In conclusion, the future of workers in Bangladesh is being shaped by global skill trends, technological advancements, and a dynamic job market. While foreign workers currently play a crucial role in filling gaps and driving industry growth, the government must prioritise the development of local talent to ensure that Bangladeshis have the skills and opportunities they need to succeed. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, investing in education, and creating a balanced policy framework for the inclusion of foreign workers, Bangladesh can build a workforce that is ready to meet the challenges of the future while driving sustainable economic growth.