Bangladesh’s labour market is entering a period of profound transformation driven by automation, artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation, and structural economic change. As the country prepares for LDC graduation, competitive pressures are expected to accelerate technological adoption, particularly in labour-intensive industries, while creating new opportunities in digital and high-value sectors. However, existing labour market vulnerabilities—including informality, limited skills development, gender disparities, and weak social protection—leave many workers, especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities, at risk of displacement. This policy brief applies a foresight approach, combining horizon scanning, stakeholder consultations, and a Delphi-based scenario-building exercise to assess Bangladesh’s readiness for the future of work. Four plausible labour market scenarios for 2035 are developed around key uncertainties related to the digital economy and changing social aspirations. The brief argues that proactive, adaptive policies on skills, employment, social protection, and labour market governance are essential to ensure an inclusive and resilient transition to the future of work.

Authors: Debapriya Bhattacharya, Towfiqul Islam Khan, Mamtajul Jannat, Maliha Rahman
Publication Period: July 2026