Photo: Unsplash

Dear readers,

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) ushers in a new era which will be driven largely by the convergence of the digital transformation and innovation in the field of chemistry, physics and bio-technology. It will bring unprecedented changes across every aspect of human life. Like the revolutions that preceded it, the 4IR poses challenges and provides opportunities. Bangladesh has been experiencing rapid digital transformation in recent times, and the 4IR will be a unique opportunity to make the type of transformation that we are highly in need of. However, the country is still far from being ready to capitalise on the full potential of these forces of innovations shaping our future.

In this second issue of our special five-part supplement, we take a look at the current status of digitisation in Bangladesh, how the 4IR will impact the country, what we should do to embrace the transformations and how Bangladesh can thrive in this new era. We also highlight the two key challenges of the ongoing disruptions: protection of privacy and human rights and ensuring fair distribution of the resulting benefits. The bottom line is that we need to understand the changing environment, grasp the opportunities, innovate continuously, and take stewardship to direct the new industrial revolution towards a prosperous and equitable future.

We thank the writers of this segment for their incisive analysis, and we also express our gratitude to our readers and patrons who have inspired us consistently for the last 31 years, to fulfil our motto - Your Right to Know.