As the globe commemorates International Migration Day, attention is drawn to Bangladesh's increasing brain drain problem. A growing number of smart young people and competent professionals are fleeing the nation in pursuit of better chances outside, which is a concerning trend. This exodus has wide-ranging effects for the country's social cohesion, innovative capacity, and economic prosperity.
Rising Numbers of Talent Exodus

According to the World Bank, approximately 4.5% of Bangladesh’s total population now resides abroad, with a significant portion being skilled professionals such as engineers, doctors, academics, and IT specialists. A report by the Bureau of Manpower, Employment, and Training (BMET) reveals that in 2023 alone, over 200,000 skilled workers emigrated, marking a 15% increase compared to the previous year. The United Nations estimates that nearly 40% of Bangladeshi migrants fall under the category of “brain drain,” leaving gaps in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and technology.

Youth Frustration and Migration

Young Bangladeshis are increasingly disillusioned with the lack of opportunities, inadequate remuneration, and widespread corruption at home. Despite the country’s impressive GDP growth of over 6% annually for the past decade, many youths feel excluded from the benefits of economic progress. High unemployment rates, particularly among graduates, further exacerbate the problem. Data from the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) indicates that 47% of university graduates remain unemployed or underemployed.
The frustration is palpable among the youth. “I graduated with honors in computer science, but the jobs here don’t match my skills or expectations,” said Arif Rahman, a 28-year-old now working in Canada. “It’s disheartening to see my potential wasted at home.” Stories like Arif’s are becoming increasingly common, as many turn to countries like the USA, Canada, and Australia for education and employment.
Economic and Social Consequences

Many industries are having trouble finding skilled personnel as a result of the talent drain. For example, there is a severe lack of qualified physicians and nurses in the healthcare system, and a lack of experienced programmers and developers is impeding the expansion of the IT industry. Innovation and entrepreneurship, which are essential for maintaining long-term economic growth, are also impacted by the loss of human capital.

The economy depends on the $24 billion in remittances that migrant workers will send home in 2023, but this does not make up for the loss of skilled labor. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is worried that this reliance on remittances will result in a "brain remittance trap," where the need for local human capital development is overshadowed by economic reliance on migrant revenue.
Sustainable Solutions

By enacting laws that increase possibilities for qualified people, the government of Bangladesh can learn from nations like China and Malaysia. Offering alluring incentives like competitive pay, financing for research, and tax breaks for entrepreneurship and innovation are a few examples of how to do this. Furthermore, raising the standard of infrastructure, healthcare, and education will improve living conditions and attract and retain qualified workers. Building robust networks between the public and private sectors can encourage cooperation, and establishing avenues for foreign nationals to participate in development initiatives will help capitalize on their experience.

International collaborations can also play a role. Initiatives like dual-degree programs, research partnerships, and talent-return schemes could help bring back expatriate expertise. Additionally, addressing systemic issues like corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency would go a long way in restoring the confidence of the youth in their home country.
Looking Ahead

As the global talent race intensifies, Bangladesh faces the dual challenge of stemming the outflow of its skilled workforce while attracting expatriates back home. On International Migration Day, it is imperative for stakeholders to commit to creating an environment where talent thrives locally, not just globally. Only then can Bangladesh turn the tide on brain drain and harness its vast human potential for sustainable development.

Obaidur Chowdhury

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