CPD’s ongoing research on Life After Life: Future of Work in Bangladesh, the explores how the country’s labour market could evolve by 2035. Conducted in collaboration with LIRNEasia under the FutureWORKS Asia initiative, the study examines the implications of AI and automation, LDC graduation, shifting trade dynamics, demographic change, and the rise of digital and platform economies. It also seeks to identify policy pathways to equip vulnerable people, particularly youth, women, and persons with disabilities, against disruptive labour market conditions.
Building on insights from an earlier scenario-building workshop as part of the study, grounded in foresight methodology and extensive stakeholder consultations, the CPD study team recently took these conversations beyond national borders.
The findings from the workshop were presented at the 66th Annual Conference of the Indian Society of Labour Economics, held in Pune, India from 19 to 21 January 2026. Bringing together eminent scholars and public intellectuals from across South Asia, the conference provided a valuable platform to share Bangladesh’s perspectives and contribute to broader regional dialogue on the future of work.
Looking ahead, the project will continue to generate insights, delving deeper into how Bangladesh can navigate ongoing labour market transformations, focusing on building a future-ready workforce and unpacking the strategic choices needed to respond to different plausible future scenarios.
A policy brief is being prepared to offer actionable recommendations to strengthen the country’s preparedness for the future of work in view of the current state of labour and employment policies in Bangladesh, as well as the electoral pledges of the incumbent government.
Together, these efforts aim to inform policies that are adaptive, inclusive, and responsive, not only to today’s labour market realities but also to the uncertainties and opportunities that lie ahead.
To learn more about the project, please click on the link below:
https://lirneasia.net/futureworksasia/projects/life-after-life-future-of-work-in-bangladesh/
