Fourth Industrial Revolution and Sustainable Development in Bangladesh: A New Frontier in Foreign Policy

Mohammad Atique Rahman[1] 

Abstract

Bangladesh is acclaimed by the international community as a development miracle and the champion of disaster management and eradication of poverty. Since its independence in 1971 Bangladesh has adopted long term and dynamic economic, development and foreign policies to achieve sustainable economic growth and socio-economic well-being of its citizens. This article argues that Bangladesh is at the cusp of accumulating technological changes and shifts in global trade and commerce due to the advent of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR). The country has maneuvered its foreign policies successfully since its independence to gain recognition and establish diplomatic and trading relations with the major economics, secured foreign direct investments, access to technology and knowledge, access to global market and integrate in global manufacturing chain. Therefore, to meet demands of the 4IR and being competitive in global markets which is today’s mantra for country’s development, Bangladesh economic and foreign policies need to address challenges and opportunities of 4IR. In this backdrop this article highlight three emerging challenges Bangladesh may face in near future i.e., access, affordability and usability of technologies of 4IR and provides some recommendations to overcome these challenges in future.

Key words: Globalisation, Industrial Revolution, Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, TRIPS, Technology Transfer.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.55875/jbga.bd.oct22.008

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References:

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[1] Assistant Professor, Dept. of International Relations, University of Dhaka. Email: atique@du.ac.bd.