BD students migrating due to domestic challanges

Shahariar Islam Sovon with Sarfuzzaman Khan :

A growing number of Bangladeshi students are migrating to developed countries such as the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, and Malaysia, driven by various educational challenges, job insecurity, salary dissatisfaction, and the lack of rule of law in their home country.

Professor Dr. Jamila A. Chowdhury, a prominent academic from Dhaka University told The New Nation about the ongoing economic difficulties in Bangladesh and the insufficient establishment of rule of law.

“Bangladesh is currently experiencing economic downturn, and the rule of law has not been properly implemented,” said Dr. Chowdhury. She emphasised that these factors are contributing to the rising trend of students seeking opportunities abroad for a better life.

According to Dr. Chowdhury, the situation in Bangladesh is starkly different from that in developed countries. “For example, in developed nations, millions of dollars are allocated to the research sector, allowing the state to progress with dignity and innovation.

Unfortunately, corruption in Bangladesh’s education system hampers the research sector, thus impacting both students’ careers and lives,” she explained.

Despite the increasing number of students graduating from educational institutions in Bangladesh, Dr. Chowdhury pointed out that the struggles they face have not diminished. “Our educational rate has been increasing, but the struggles that students face have not reduced,” she stated.

Associate Professor of University of Asia Pacific Md. Asaduzzaman told The New Nation that students are not just seeking education; they are looking for stability, growth, and opportunities to thrive in an interconnected world. This migration reflects the aspirations of a generation that values quality education and global exposure, he said.

In recent years, the number of Bangladeshi students studying abroad has reached new heights, with the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Malaysia emerging as the top destinations for higher education.

USA
The United States remains the top destination for Bangladeshi students. According to the 2023 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, 13,563 Bangladeshi students were enrolled in U.S. institutions during the 2022-2023 academic year. This marked a significant increase compared to previous years.

By 2024, the number rose to more than 17,000 students, continuing the upward trend. The 2024 data underscores a robust demand for U.S. education, with students attracted by diverse academic programs, cutting-edge research opportunities, and the potential for career advancement.

Furthermore, nearly 10,000 Bangladeshi postgraduates are enrolled in U.S. institutions, making Bangladesh the seventh-largest country for graduate student enrollment in the U.S. This surge in postgraduate enrollment reflects an increasing aspiration for higher academic qualifications among Bangladeshi students.

UK
The UK has also seen a significant rise in Bangladeshi student numbers. In the year ending June 2024, the UK government issued 526,478 study visas, with 11,088 of these being applicants from Bangladesh. The UK consistently remains one of the most popular destinations for Bangladeshi students, ranking second after the U.S. in terms of student migration.

In 2023, a total of 6,586 Bangladeshi students enrolled in UK institutions, contributing to the ongoing trend of higher education mobility. The allure of UK education lies in its prestigious universities, the diversity of available courses, and the opportunity to immerse in a globalised academic environment. Additionally, in 2022, around 20,000 Bangladeshi students received UK visas, demonstrating the UK’s strong appeal among Bangladeshi students.

AUSTRALIA
Australia has experienced a dramatic rise in the number of Bangladeshi students, with a 74% increase in enrollment between January 2023 and January 2024. Over 14,000 Bangladeshi students enrolled to study in Australia in 2023 alone, making it the highest on record. Australia has become the 13th most popular destination globally for international students, reflecting the country’s strong higher education system, affordable tuition, and post-study work opportunities.

In January 2024, 9,683 Bangladeshi students were already enrolled in Australian institutions.
CANADA

Canada continues to be a popular choice for Bangladeshi students, with 5,835 students enrolled in Canadian institutions in 2023.