BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

Press Release

Seminar on

“Gig Economy and Bangladesh: Opportunities, Challenges and Way Forward” Dhaka, Bangladesh, 15 March 2023

Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organized a Seminar on “Gig Economy and Bangladesh: Opportunities, Challenges and Way Forward” on 15 March 2023 at the BIISS auditorium. H E Dr Mashiur Rahman,Economic Affairs Advisor to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh graced the seminar as the Chief Guest. Major General Sheikh Pasha Habib Uddin, OSP, SGP, BAMS, afwc, psc delivered the Welcome Remarks and Dr Zaidi Sattar, Chairman, Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh (PRI) Chaired the session.

In his Welcome Remarks Major General Sheikh Pasha Habib Uddin, OSP, SGP, BAMS, afwc, pscDirector General, BIISS, noted thatthe evolution of the gig economy is gaining popularity due to the nature of flexibility at work. In the gig economy, the concept of employment has become flexible withthe use of technology and the rise of remote work. As the economy of the country struggles under the weight of an expanding population and high unemployment rates, the gig economy can play a crucial part in keeping the economy moving. With the appropriate mix of policies, digital infrastructure, and supporting services, the gig economy has the potential to become a growth engine for the country by producing jobs for many people.

Chief Guest of the SeminarH E Dr Mashiur Rahman, Economic Affairs Advisor to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, noted that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is having a profound impact on traditional employment opportunities. This impact is extensive, as it can create opportunities while also presenting new challenges. He expected that the gig economy will create several positive outputs including creatinga significant number of new jobs.

Three presentations were made in the Seminar. Dr Mahfuz Kabir, Research Director, BIISS, delivered a presentation on “Market Characteristics, Growth and Contributions of the Gig Economy”. A presentation titled “Services Outsourcing, Challenges and Opportunities” was made by Mr Wahid Sharif, President, the Bangladesh Association of Contact Center and Outsourcing (BACCO). Mr Mike Kazi, Founder and CEO, Apex DMIT Ltd presented on “Export of IT-Enabled Services, Skills, and Way Forward”.

There was an open discussion session during the Seminar. Senior officials from different ministries, ambassadors and high commissioners, senior civil and military officials, media, academia, think tanks, business personalities, students and teachers from different universities participated in the session.