Interviewed by Syed Md. Rakeen, Team MBR

Dr. Tanjiba Rahman is the Chairman of the Bangladesh Freelancer Development Society (BFDS), a non-profit organisation concerned with promoting and supporting the growth of the freelancing industry in Bangladesh. A doctor by profession, she has experienced tremendous success in creating a community for freelancers and private school teachers. She has built multiple successful IT and healthcare-related businesses containing over 50 young individuals. Team MBR was in a conversation with Dr. Tanjiba Rahman and was fortunate enough to receive her take on the potential of the freelancing industry amidst the AI revolution.

Syed Md. Rakeen: According to the ICT Division, freelancers contribute over USD 100 million annually to the country’s remittance inflows. In your opinion, which essential factors are driving this phenomenal contribution by the freelancing industry?

Dr. Tanjiba Rahman: The immense contribution of the freelancing industry to Bangladesh's remittance inflows can be attributed to several essential factors. For starters, Bangladesh boasts talented and skilled individuals who are actively participating in online freelancing. These individuals possess expertise in various fields such as software development, graphic design, digital marketing, content creation, and more. The availability of such an array of skills allows our freelancers to cater to a wide range of international clients, thereby increasing their earning potential. Additionally, the widespread availability of affordable internet connectivity and access to the necessary technological infrastructure have played a crucial role in working remotely and collaborating with clients all over the world. With the development of online freelancing platforms and marketplaces, our freelancers can now conveniently showcase their skills and connect with potential clients.

Furthermore, government and various organisations have played a crucial role in creating a supportive environment. Initiatives such as training programmes, workshops, and seminars aimed at enhancing the skills of freelancers, as well as providing guidance on entrepreneurship and financial management, have played a significant role in driving the growth of the freelancing industry. The recognition of freelancers as valuable contributors to the economy and the provision of necessary infrastructure and policies have also been influential factors.

Syed Md. Rakeen: A survey by Payoneer stated that Bangladesh was the 8th largest exporter of online labour in 2019, indicating the country’s favorability among employers in the freelancing space. Would you kindly share how Bangladesh is faring in the freelancing sector these days amidst the AI revolution?

Dr. Tanjiba Rahman: We have continued to make significant progress in the freelancing sector amidst the AI revolution. Freelancers from our country possess a great deal of talent and skills, which makes them a lucrative choice among employers in the freelancing space. AI is transforming various industries and job roles globally, and it is creating new opportunities for freelancers in Bangladesh.

Freelancers can use AI as a supporting tool to improve their deliverables as well as their efficiency. They can utilise AI-powered solutions for tasks such as automating repetitive processes, data analysis, natural language processing, and more. By adopting AI tools, freelancers can streamline their workflow, deliver high-quality results, and offer innovative services to their clients.

Furthermore, freelancers can position themselves as AI specialists by acquiring knowledge and skills in areas such as machine learning, data science, and AI-driven technologies. This proactive approach will allow our freelancers to stay competitive in the market and take advantage of the evolving demands of clients who require AI-related expertise.

Syed Md. Rakeen: AI tools such as DALL·E, Midjourney, and ChatGPT are likely to replace lots of jobs globally. In your opinion, how can Bangladesh’s freelancers better prepare for this wave of AI?

Dr. Tanjiba Rahman: The wave of AI does bring about potential job disruptions globally, but it also presents opportunities for our freelancers to adapt and thrive. To better prepare for this wave of AI, freelancers can focus on the following strategies:

1. A Mindset for Continuous Learning: It is essential for freelancers to stay updated with the latest developments in AI and related technologies. By engaging in continuous learning, attending workshops, and participating in online courses, freelancers can acquire new skills and stay relevant in the evolving landscape.
2. Working on Specialisation: Freelancers can consider specialising in areas where AI is less likely to replace human creativity and critical thinking. For example, creative fields such as graphic design, content creation, and user experience design require a human touch that AI may struggle to fully replicate.
3. Using AI tools as a co-pilot: Rather than perceiving AI as a threat, freelancers can embrace it as a tool to augment their capabilities. By integrating AI tools into their workflows, freelancers can leverage the power of automation and data analysis to enhance their productivity and deliver higher-quality outputs.
4. Diversifying client base: Freelancers can explore opportunities beyond traditional freelancing platforms and diversify their client base. They can seek collaborations with AI-driven startups, contribute to AI research projects, or participate in the development of AI applications within their respective domains.

Overall, by adopting a proactive mindset, continuously updating skills, and embracing AI as a supportive tool, our freelancers can position themselves well for the wave of AI.

Syed Md. Rakeen: Bangladesh earns approximately USD 1.4 billion from outsourcing, of which USD 100 million comes from the freelancing industry. From your perspective, which steps can help increase the contribution of the freelancing industry to outsourcing income?

Dr. Tanjiba Rahman: Well, the first step should entail enhancing the technological infrastructure. Governments & relevant stakeholders should work on improving internet connectivity, allowing access to cutting-edge software & hardware tools and offering adequate support services. Ensuring these can help our freelancers deliver high-quality work efficiently and attract more international clients. The next step should involve engaging in skill development initiatives aligned with the demands of the outsourcing market. Collaboration among freelancing organisations, industry experts and educational institutions can reduce the skill gap in our freelancers and prepare them to meet client’s demands.

Establishing partnerships with international freelancing platforms can facilitate market access for freelancers. Creating dedicated platforms for showcasing our freelancers' skills and organising trade events and exhibitions can increase the visibility of freelancers and attract more clients. Additionally, policies should be in place to continue the upward trend of freelancing industry. Tax incentives, simplified registration processes, and legal protection for freelancers and their clients, can create a conducive environment for growth.

Finally, if we can build a strong network among the freelancers and ensure collaboration, it can lead to shared knowledge, open resources and joint ventures, paving the way for our freelancers to work on bigger projects and expand their market reach. Focusing on the aforementioned steps can help us to harness the full potential of its freelancing industry and increase its contribution to outsourcing income.

Syed Md. Rakeen: The rapid growth of industrial automation and AI is likely to influence both public and private organisations to introduce training programmes on AI. How can Bangladesh plan its training programmes in a bid to increase freelancers’ competitiveness in the market?

Dr. Tanjiba Rahman: As industrial automation and AI continue to grow at a breakneck speed, Bangladesh will have to plan its training programmes effectively to increase freelancers' competitiveness in the market. We’ll need to analyse market demands and look for the AI-related skills which are in high demand. Currently, the areas include machine learning, data science, natural language processing, computer vision, and AI-driven application development. We’ll have to consult industry experts and collaborate with them to design training programmes that align with industry needs. Collaborative partnerships can provide valuable insights into the skills required and help develop comprehensive training curricula.

A large emphasis will be required on the hands-on training and practical application of AI techniques. If freelancers can work on real-world projects, collaborate with mentors, and participate in AI-focused hackathons or competitions, their skills will grow over time. As AI is a rapidly evolving field, training programmes should promote a culture of continuous learning. We’ll need to encourage freelancers to remain updated with the latest advancements of AI by offering them access to relevant resources, online courses, and workshops.

Alongside technical skills, focusing on developing soft skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and creativity are valuable in conjunction with AI technologies and can set freelancers apart in the market. Freelancers will require training and guidance on entrepreneurship, business management, and client relationship building. If freelancers can build a business acumen and effectively market their AI-related services, their chances of success will sharply increase.

By planning training programmes that encompass all these aspects, Bangladesh can enhance its freelancers' competitiveness, enabling them to thrive in the evolving market spaces influenced by industrial automation and AI.

Syed Md. Rakeen: The online gigs available at popular freelancing platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr are likely to transform radically amidst the wave of AI. In your opinion, what particular skills should freelancers focus on to align their skills with the demands of their clients?

Dr. Tanjiba Rahman: Here are some particular skills freelancers should focus on:

1. AI Integration: Developing an understanding of how AI tools can be integrated into freelancing workflows can enhance efficiency and productivity. Familiarity with AI-driven automation tools, chatbots, recommendation systems, or other AI-powered applications can provide a competitive edge.
2. Data Analysis: Proficiency in data analysis, including skills in data cleaning, data visualisation, and statistical analysis, will be valuable. Clients often require insights from large datasets, and freelancers who can provide data-driven recommendations and strategies will be in demand.
3. Human-Centric Skills: As AI becomes more prevalent, emphasising human-centric skills that complement AI capabilities will be essential. These skills include creative problem-solving, critical thinking, empathy, and the ability to understand and meet clients' unique needs.
4. Adaptability and Continuous Learning: The ability to quickly adapt to new technologies and learn emerging AI tools or frameworks is crucial. Freelancers should prioritise continuous learning and remain updated with advancements in AI to offer innovative solutions to their clients.
5. Domain Expertise: Developing deep expertise in specific domains that align with AI applications can be advantageous. For example, combining AI knowledge with domain expertise in healthcare, finance, e-commerce, or digital marketing allows freelancers to offer specialised and tailored services to clients.

By focusing on these skills, freelancers can position themselves as AI-savvy professionals who can provide unique value to their clients, even in the face of radical transformations brought about by AI.

Syed Md. Rakeen: About 10.5 lakh freelancers are bringing in remittances to the country and contributing to our foreign reserves. In your opinion, how do you envision the future of the freelancing industry in Bangladesh in light of AI adoption?

Dr. Tanjiba Rahman: With AI adoption on the rise, the future of the freelancing industry in Bangladesh will undoubtedly experience some changes. However, AI should be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat. AI can augment freelancers' capabilities, enhance productivity, and enable them to deliver more value to clients.

In the future, freelancers in Bangladesh can expect an increased emphasis on AI integration in their workflows. This may involve utilising AI tools for automation, data analysis, natural language processing, or providing AI-driven services such as chatbot development, machine learning algorithms, or AI-powered content creation.

Furthermore, as AI becomes more prevalent, freelancers can differentiate themselves by focusing on human-centric skills that AI may struggle to replicate fully. These skills include creativity, critical thinking, complex problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and the ability to provide personalised and tailored solutions to clients' needs.

Collaboration and partnerships between freelancers, educational institutions, industry experts, and the government will play a vital role in ensuring freelancers are equipped to embrace AI advancements. Training programmes, knowledge-sharing platforms, and mentoring initiatives can support freelancers in adapting to the evolving AI landscape and help them seize opportunities created by AI adoption.

Syed Md. Rakeen: The government has set a target to export IT and IT-enabled services worth USD 5 billion by 2025. From your perspective, how big of a role can the freelancing industry play in achieving this target?

Dr. Tanjiba Rahman: The freelancing industry can play a significant role in helping Bangladesh achieve its target of exporting IT and IT-enabled services worth USD 5 billion by 2025. Here are some of the following ways:

1. Economic Contribution: By continuing to grow and expand, the freelancing industry can contribute significantly to the overall export earnings of the IT and IT-enabled services sector. As freelancers from Bangladesh secure more international clients and take on larger projects, the industry's contribution to export earnings will increase.
2. Job Creation: The freelancing industry has the potential to create a substantial number of jobs in Bangladesh. As more individuals are encouraged to participate in freelancing, either full-time or as a side gig, the industry can provide employment opportunities and contribute to reducing unemployment rates.
3. Skill Development: The freelancing industry necessitates the acquisition of specialised skills and knowledge. By focusing on skill development initiatives, training programmes, and educational partnerships, Bangladesh can produce a skilled workforce that meets the demands of the freelancing industry. This, in turn, will attract more clients and boost export earnings.
4. Branding Bangladesh: A thriving freelancing industry can enhance Bangladesh's image as a hub of talented and skilled professionals. Positive experiences and successful collaborations with freelancers from Bangladesh will strengthen the country's reputation, making it an attractive destination for outsourcing IT and IT-enabled services.