Every year, on the first of May Bangladesh joins countries around the world in honouring International Workers Day also known as Labour Day, a cherished and time-honoured tradition that pays tribute to the work and accomplishments of workers globally.

This day prompts reflection on the discussion about the competition between humans and technology in the workplace - a topic that holds significance in Bangladesh's changing labour environment.

International Workers Day is a reminder of the challenges and achievements of workers throughout history. From the labour movements of centuries to today's advocacy for pay safe working conditions and labour rights this observance emphasises the vital role workers play in advancing economic prosperity and societal development in their country.

However, amidst the celebrations and reflections, the spectre of technological advancement looms large, giving rise to concerns about the displacement of human labour by machines.

The advent of automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence has ushered in a new era of productivity and efficiency, but it has also sparked fears of job losses and economic dislocation, particularly in sectors that rely heavily on manual labour.

The garment industry has been a major contributor to Bangladesh's economic growth and development, employing a workforce that is predominately female. With the adoption of automation and digital manufacturing technologies, factory owners are increasingly opting for solutions to improve production processes and cut labour expenses.

While this shift may result in improved efficiency and competitiveness in the market, it also raises concerns about the future of millions of garment sector workers. According to Anir Chowdhury, Policy Adviser at the a2i initiative, "garments will be the worst sufferer of the fourth industrial revolution as there is a possibility of 27 lakh or 60 percent of jobs being lost."

The apparel industry, known for its workforce, has been a key driver of Bangladesh's economic progress till to date. Yet it has also faced challenges related to labour rights violations, poor working conditions and low wages. As factory owners embrace automation to reduce costs and increase profits, there are worries about how this will impact the livelihoods and wellbeing of workers.

Supporters of automation argue that technological advancements can boost productivity and prosperity by replacing tasks with automated systems. This transition can enhance efficiency, minimise errors, and accelerate product delivery, at costs. Ultimately it could lead to profits that can be reinvested in sectors of the economy to foster growth and create more job opportunities.

On the other side, critics express concerns about the impacts on society and the economy due to widespread automation, especially in developing nations like Bangladesh. The swift integration of technology might result in levels of unemployment, worsen income inequality and deepen rifts. Additionally the substitution of labour with machines could have effects on the social fabric as traditional job roles and ways of earning a living are disrupted.

As Bangladesh navigates through the complexities of the human versus machine debate, it faces a juncture dealing with both progress and human wellbeing. While automation offers opportunities for efficiency and competitiveness, it also brings about challenges in ensuring growth and equal sharing of benefits.

With policymakers, business leaders and community representatives striving to find a balance between innovation and societal obligations, taking steps to reduce the impacts of automation is becoming increasingly crucial.

One potential solution to address the issues brought by automation is, by investing in education and skills enhancement. By providing workers with the knowledge and competencies required to thrive in an automated environment, Bangladesh can ensure that its workforce remains competitive and adaptable.

Efforts focused on enhancing skills, vocational education and entrepreneurship can empower individuals to seize emerging opportunities, in industries prone to automation.

Moreover, initiatives promoting growth and social safety nets play a crucial role in protecting the welfare of workers impacted by automation.

This may involve implementing programmes for job retraining, financial assistance schemes and social safety nets to ease the effects of job displacement and facilitate transitions to employment avenues. Additionally, upholding labour rights and ensuring workers participation in decision making processes are vital for nurturing a more equitable and just society.

As Bangladesh marks International Workers Day and contemplates the importance of labour rights and social justice, it is important to acknowledge the connection between man vs. machine dynamics and the broader pursuit of dignity and empowerment. By embracing technological advancements while also prioritising the wellbeing of its workforce, Bangladesh can pave the way towards inclusive and sustainable progress that acknowledges the contributions of past, present and future workers.
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The writer is a Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Chittagong