The new canvas: how generative AI is changing the future of creative work in Bangladesh

From the bustling alleys of Dhaka to the quiet courtyards of Netrokona, a new creative energy is rising across Bangladesh. Young people everywhere—armed with dreams, basic laptops, and a mobile connection—are entering the digital design world. Whether through a local ICT training centre in Jashore, an online course in Chattogram, or a freelancing group in Rajshahi, the goal is to earn, create, and connect with global opportunities. But while their ambition is clear, many are still learning tools that are no longer industry standard. The rest of the world is already designing with Artificial Intelligence, and Bangladesh must catch up fast.

Today, generative AI is rewriting the rules of creativity. Tools like Stable Diffusion and DALL·E 3 allow users to turn simple text prompts into stunning visuals in seconds. A person can type "a modern office logo with traditional motifs" or "a coastal village sunset for a tourism poster," and instantly receive professional-quality results. Meanwhile, platforms like Canva—already popular in Bangladesh—have introduced AI-based features that simplify layout design, video editing, and brand creation. The result is that what once took days of careful work can now be completed in minutes, with almost no prior training in graphic software. For a country with millions of digitally inclined youth, this is not just a trend—it's a turning point.

More than 60 percent of Bangladesh's population is under 35. This massive demographic advantage—often called a demographic dividend—can either drive the economy forward or weigh it down, depending on how we prepare our youth. We can turn this population into a force of value generation with AI-powered design skills. If even a small percentage of our youth become successful AI-enhanced freelancers or entrepreneurs, the country could earn billions in annual income, reduce youth unemployment, and grow a sustainable, knowledge-based export sector. This is not a theory; this is already happening.

In Khulna, a group of final-year students uses Canva and DALL·E 3 to create product packaging for small businesses in the UAE. In Bogura, a freelancer who switched from traditional Photoshop to Stable Diffusion now handles design tasks for three international clients and has tripled his income. In Barishal, a group of girls from a local ICT centre are designing Facebook campaigns for local fashion brands using Canva's AI layout generator. In Mymensingh, a graduate with a diploma now creates concept art for indie game developers in Germany using prompt-based visual creation through AI tools.

These are not rare cases but early signals of a larger possibility. If we can train and mobilise one million youth in AI-powered design and content creation, each earning even $300 per month, that would mean over $3.6 billion flowing into the economy annually—without factories, without exports, and with minimal infrastructure. That is the cumulative impact we are ignoring at our own risk.

But this impact is not just economic. When a young woman in Nilphamari earns her first dollar by selling an AI-generated design on Etsy, she gains income, dignity, and confidence. When a boy in Rangpur becomes a visual storyteller using Canva's AI tools, he doesn't need to migrate for work—he brings opportunity home. When a madrasa graduate in Cumilla learns to design Da'wah posters with DALL·E 3 and shares them online, he's contributing to community education while building digital skills. This is how we create an inclusive economy—by giving tools, access, and belief to every corner of society.

The government of Bangladesh has already committed to digital development through initiatives like the ICT Division's skills programmes, LEDP, and SEIP. However, most of these training curricula were created before the rise of AI. They taught basic freelancing, graphic design, and content marketing, but now need to evolve rapidly to meet global standards. We must revise our national curriculum in public education and private training centres to include Stable Diffusion, DALL·E 3, Canva AI, and prompt engineering as part of regular training. Our instructors must be retrained. Our content must be translated into Bangla. And our delivery must reach every district—from Cox's Bazar to Thakurgaon.

A district-focused model can multiply this impact. In Rajshahi, known for its rich culture and artistic heritage, AI can help digitise traditional patterns into sellable global merchandise. In Narayanganj, the design needs of small garment exporters can be supported by local youth trained in prompt-based branding. In Noakhali, AI-powered design kiosks can be set up in union digital centres, helping farmers or shopkeepers make marketing posters. Sylhet's diaspora connections can be tapped by creating freelance design agencies that serve the UK and European Bangladeshi community. In Bandarban, trained tribal youth can build visual stories of their heritage, promote tourism, and sell creative content globally. The canvas is limitless—if we provide the brush.

The private sector must join this movement. Internet providers, banks, telecom companies, NGOs, and universities can co-host AI design bootcamps, sponsor creative challenges, and offer microgrants to rural AI creators. A student in Gopalganj should not be denied the future because they didn't have Canva Pro access or didn't hear of DALL·E 3. Inclusion must be intentional.

Bangladesh has consistently proven that it can adapt and leapfrog. From basic phones to mobile banking, garments to digital commerce, we move when mobilised. Now is the time to mobilise around generative AI—not as a tech buzzword but as a national tool for income, innovation, and inspiration. With proper direction, this movement could become our next garment industry—only brighter, cleaner, and fully digital.

Our young people are ready. They are creative, connected, and courageous. All they need now is guidance, access, and trust. We must give them the tools of tomorrow—today.

Let us not wait for the future to arrive. Let us build it—with our youth, talent, and a new canvas filled with AI-powered creativity.

The writer is the chairman of Bitbyte Technology Limited.