Bangladesh Least Exposed to AI Job Risks: World Bank

Bangladesh Least Exposed to AI Job Risks: World Bank

Bangladesh’s labour market is among the least exposed to the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) compared to other emerging economies, according to a new World Bank report.

The report, titled “South Asia Development Update: Jobs, AI and Trade,” found that only 1.44 per cent of jobs in Bangladesh are linked to AI, far lower than 7.29 per cent in Sri Lanka and 5.8 per cent in India.

While the region’s exposure to AI-driven automation remains limited, the report cautioned that Bangladesh must strengthen its digital infrastructure and workforce skills to seize AI-driven opportunities while reducing potential disruptions.

Across South Asia, only seven per cent of jobs are highly exposed to AI without being complementary to its use — well below the 15 per cent exposure seen in other emerging markets. The region’s large share of agricultural and manual labour has helped shield it from automation risks.

However, the demand for AI-related skills is rising rapidly. Jobs requiring such expertise now offer nearly 30 per cent higher wages than other white-collar positions. In Bangladesh, most AI-exposed jobs are considered “complementary,” meaning AI tools are expected to enhance rather than replace human labour.

Bangladesh also has one of the lowest proportions of jobs deemed “substitutable,” or at high risk of automation, among South Asian nations. The report suggested that countries like Bangladesh could turn AI into an economic advantage by pursuing the right mix of policies.

“Reliable digital infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and a supportive business environment are crucial to unlocking productivity gains and limiting job losses,” it said.