GenAI adoption in Bangladesh: Where curiosity meets caution

Over the last year and a half, since I've been using ChatGPT, I've witnessed how quickly  people's opinions about utilising Generative AI are evolving. From feeling superior by saying, "I don't use ChatGPT, I am self-sufficient", to embracing the fact that they use it sparingly, "just to tweak work emails sometimes", to welcoming it with wide arms, saying, "I have full on conversations with ChatGPT, and love brainstorming ideas". 

Now, being a 90s kid, I have been through a lot of changes in terms of technology, and  Generative AI aka GenAI was yet another tool that changed everything about the way we work around us, and change has been faster than anything else I have witnessed before. 

After having quick conversations with a few colleagues to learn why and how they are using ChatGPT and GenAI in general, I wanted to learn more. 

Hit up the internet and read a few articles or research papers. All very informative, but somehow, I wasn't getting the answers of the Bangladeshi business professionals, answers from the demographic I frequently work with. With that thought in mind, I did what I do best— ran a quick survey. 

I reached out to a mix of colleagues and connections from diverse industries— corporate giants to startups, tech enthusiasts to cautious adopters. Their roles ranged from managers and HR professionals to marketers, offering a spectrum of perspectives shaped by their unique work environments. 

While some had fully embraced AI for brainstorming, content creation, and task automation, others approached it tentatively, sticking to simpler uses like drafting emails. A few remained skeptical, citing concerns about trust and job security. Yet, across the board, one thing stood out and that is curiosity.  

Five trends shaping GenAI adoption 

The survey uncovered fascinating insights into how Bangladeshi professionals are interacting with GenAI, offering a glimpse into its growing influence in the workplace, and here are the top five findings from the survey: 

a) Curiosity trumps skepticism
b) Task-specific adoption
c) Diverse adoption spectrum
d) Perceived threats to creativity
e) Gap in training and awareness 

According to the survey, the common thread that united skeptics and enthusiasts alike was curiosity, but it was practicality that seemed to be the driving force. 

Task-specific applications like drafting emails, automating mundane tasks, and generating creative  ideas dominated the list of use cases. Interestingly (but certainly not unpredictably), adoption patterns varied across sectors: while marketing and IT professionals are among the early adopters, professionals in HR and finance approach GenAI with both optimism and caution, and prefer precision and compliance over speed; and while creativity also makes its way into the conversation, some respondents expressed valid concerns that over-reliance on AI could dull originality, and the communication aspect will lose out the human touch and nuances, which in itself deserves a deeper  conversation. 

Lastly, notions of a clear knowledge gap emerged, as many respondents wished for formal training to better harness GenAI's potential, stressing the need for  organizations to invest in AI literacy.  

Sounds interesting so far? Feel like, "huh, I could've predicted this even without a survey mumbo-jumbo? I thought so too. That was before I noticed the following patterns. 

Breaking stereotypes 

Now, as intriguing as the key insights were, the survey also revealed trends that were both  surprising and counterintuitive. One unexpected finding was that senior professionals,  often stereotyped as resistant to technological change, showcased a surprising  openness to GenAI. 

Many admitted that while their usage was limited to specific functions like streamlining workflows or reviewing drafts, they were eager to explore more advanced applications with proper training.

On the flip side, a significant portion of younger professionals, typically assumed to be digital natives, expressed skepticism about GenAI, as they seemed to have a lack of trust in AI-generated outputs. This contrast of enthusiasm level between senior professionals and the younger demographic highlighted how deeply individual  perceptions shape technology adoption.  

Another eye opener was far more paradoxical: low confidence despite widespread usage. Across demographics, many respondents expressed worries about the accuracy and reliability of GenAI tools, voicing concerns about the potential for errors. 

Yet,  surprisingly, these same individuals are active users of GenAI, with most relying on at  least one tool, and some juggling as many as four. 

Even more puzzling? When asked to rate its overall effectiveness, these skeptical users gave GenAI an impressive 4 out of 5, suggesting that while their confidence may waver, they acknowledge its utility in everyday professional life. From automating repetitive tasks to brainstorming ideas, GenAI seems to have carved out a space where its benefits  outweigh lingering doubts. 

This contradiction highlights a fascinating dynamic: professionals are willing to tolerate  uncertainty if the tools deliver tangible results. It also underscores an urgent need for  organisations to address this trust gap through better training and transparency— not  just teaching how to use the tools, but building confidence in the quality of their outputs.

The road ahead 

While I initially ventured into the survey out of curiosity— hoping to gauge how well this  transformative technology has seeped into various professional circles— I quickly  realised its significance extends far beyond understanding user behavior.  

The trends observed not only challenged common assumptions about who adopts  technology and how, but also opened up new questions about readiness, adaptability, and the long-term implications of GenAI integration across different demographics and  industries. 

With businesses constantly evolving to stay competitive, understanding  these tendencies can help us predict how GenAI might shape industries and redefine  professional landscapes. 

One thing is clear though, GenAI is here to stay, unlike many previous innovations. It will  significantly impact our daily life, and while concerns exist, everyone is intrigued by the  transformative potential that's only beginning to unfold in Bangladesh. 

Smita Aparna is an experienced HR professional with over 10 years in human resource management, currently serving as the Culture & Employer Branding Manager at Nagad Ltd. With expertise in employee engagement, organizational transformation, and strategic HR leadership, she is passionate about aligning HR initiatives with business goals to create meaningful workplace cultures.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.