At the Skills for a Sustainable Future roundtable, organized by Grameenphone, Bijon Islam, CEO and Co-founder of LightCastle Partners, highlighted the urgent need for Bangladesh to align its workforce with the demands of a rapidly changing global economy.
Speaking to a diverse audience of policymakers, industry leaders, and development partners, he stressed that while technical expertise remains vital, employers today increasingly value soft skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and value-driven behavior. These competencies, he noted, are essential for bridging the gap between academic institutions and industry needs.
Bijon also underscored the growing importance of digital literacy and AI-readiness, pointing out that nearly half of global online searches are already powered by artificial intelligence. To remain competitive, Bangladeshi youth must master the art of “knowing what to ask” in AI-driven environments, with strong foundations in data analysis, digital problem-solving, and adaptive learning.
Equally critical, he argued, is the integration of green and circular economy skills, particularly in export-oriented industries such as garments, textiles, and footwear. With European markets placing increasing emphasis on sustainability, upskilling workers in resource efficiency, carbon reduction, and circular production practices will be pivotal to maintaining Bangladesh’s competitive edge.
As Bangladesh stands at the cusp of a demographic dividend, the message was clear: the future of work will be shaped by adaptability, digital agility, and sustainable practices. Embedding these capabilities across the workforce is not just a necessity but a strategic imperative for long-term growth.
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