Digital platforms creating jobs but also new inequality : Debapriya

Business Desk :

While digital platforms are creating unprecedented employment opportunities in Bangladesh, they are simultaneously giving rise to a new form of inequality, Debapriya Bhattacharya, distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) said on Tuesday.

“Rising productivity and the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence [AI] are shrinking traditional forms of employment, posing fresh challenges for the labour market,” Debapriya said at a seminar held at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital.

He presented an analysis of the country’s digital economy and the need for structural reforms in light of the proposed citizens’ manifesto.

The economist said the gig economy has spread to the country’s marginal regions, citing the example of around 1,500 freelancers in Thakurgaon who are selling illustrations in the global market despite limited technological resources.

However, he identified the absence of an institutional framework as the sector’s main constraint.
According to Debapriya, there are no clear Bangladesh Bank regulations for freelancers to receive payments, nor do they have access to basic financial facilities such as credit cards. This policy vacuum, he said, is preventing freelancers’ earnings from being fully integrated into the formal economy.

The CPD distinguished fellow stressed that a major expansion of digital systems is now essential to curb corruption and enhance efficiency. “The use of digital platforms for utility bill payments and stipend distribution has already reduced leakages and made it easier to identify irregularities,” he said.

To make these gains sustainable, he proposed the creation of an integrated “National Data Centre”.
He emphasised that such a repository should be managed by an autonomous oversight and accountability body, independent of the home ministry or the Election Commission.

“The database should consolidate citizens’ NID, TIN, BIN and information related to government services, including allowances and stipends.”

While welcoming some recent government initiatives such as the introduction of Starlink, and the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system to block unregistered mobile phones, Debapriya criticised the lack of stakeholder consultation in the decision-making process.

He also expressed concern over the absence of transparency surrounding the proposed Cyber Security Act Ordinance 2025, warning that unclear provisions on personal data protection and safeguards against phone surveillance have raised public anxiety.

The economist further cautioned against the misuse of AI in electoral processes and the risk of social media-driven division.

“Although the government has written to Meta, the lack of a local office in Bangladesh and language limitations make it difficult to curb hate speech and politically motivated violence online,” he added.