Unlocking Potentials and Challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Bangladesh: A Case on Bogura District

Md. Faiyaz Mahi, Sabrina Hussain, Anas Al Masud, Namira Morshed

Abstract

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is nowadays a blueprint for technology-driven change in all spheres of life. Bangladesh, yet to be graduated as a developing nation by 2024, envisions an industry with utmost emphasis on skill development, digital literacy, and entrepreneurial promotion. As a part of the global agenda, the study found that there had been a paucity of empirical evidence to address contextualized research on 4IR in the context of Bangladesh. So, the study investigates the potential and challenges of the 4IR in Bangladesh, especially in the Bogura district. The study followed a mixed-method research design, with data collected through an in-depth interview survey and semi-structured questionnaires from 20 top managerial officials of 10 renowned industries in Bogura. Results show that most industries have no concrete idea about the fourth industrial revolution, but they have some superficial ideas or knowledge from newspapers, media, and government little bit. It is also observed that due to the global wave of 4IR, some industries are moving more towards the implementation of 4IR by excluding the first, second, and third phase of the industrial revolution. Respondents opined that most industries do not have the ability to cope with the 4IR, but even if they are able to cover it, it will be very difficult for them to sustain its results in the future. Historically, the industry sector of Bogura was a prominent one but the problem is that it has lost that importance in the present time. Having been a prosperous geographical settlement in the northern corner of Bangladesh, the industry sector had lack of technological orientation, government initiatives, and limited policy intervention. So, the study recommends synchronously mapping the 4IR plan in the Bogura district by the government with the engagement of state, non-state civil society, and market actors. The study has practical implications by presenting plausible guidance for policymakers, government, the Bogura DC office, and relevant business entities for overcoming the challenges of 4IR in the Bogura district.

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