Job crisis drive talent exodues

Bangladesh has been witnessing a growing outflow of skilled young people as thousands leave the country every year for higher education and better career opportunities, raising concerns over a possible loss of talent despite the huge economic benefits brought by overseas Bangladeshis.

In 2024, Bangladesh received nearly $27 billion in remittances, making it one of the world’s largest recipients. The money has helped strengthen foreign currency reserves, support millions of families, finance education and boost local businesses.

However, the increasing migration of educated professionals has created concerns over whether Bangladesh is benefiting fully from its human capital.

According to global migration trends, the movement of skilled professionals has become increasingly common. In 2000, around 175 million people, or 2.9 per cent of the global population, were living outside their country of birth for more than a year. About 65 million of them were economically active.

The healthcare sector has experienced one of the highest levels of skilled migration. The World Health Organisation said around 90 per cent of migrating physicians moved to five countries – Australia, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The trend is also visible in higher education. Data from UNESCO shows the number of students studying abroad increased from 2.1 million in 2000 to nearly 7.3 million in 2023.

For Bangladesh, foreign universities have become a major destination for ambitious students seeking advanced education and research opportunities unavailable at home.

Mohammad Fakhrul Islam, assistant professor at Stamford University Bangladesh, said migration should not always be viewed as a loss.

“Bangladesh cannot currently offer enough high-quality opportunities for all of its talented young people,” he told The New Nation.

He said overcrowded public universities, limited research facilities and a lack of employment opportunities in the private sector are pushing many talented youths to seek careers abroad.

“Brain drain is not entirely a bad thing. The government system does not provide enough opportunities for talented students. When a student goes abroad for higher studies or work, they usually pay for their own education and expenses,” he said.

Fakhrul said that many skilled Bangladeshis receive little institutional support if they return home after gaining international experience.

However, critics say the country cannot ignore the negative consequences of losing skilled manpower.
Education expert Mohammad Asaduzzaman told the New Nation said that Bangladesh spends significant resources educating doctors, engineers, researchers and other professionals, but many eventually contribute their skills to foreign economies.

“The country is losing its best minds because it has failed to create an environment where talented people can build successful careers at home,” said a senior education analyst, seeking anonymity.

“Remittance is valuable, but it cannot replace innovation, research and expertise. A country cannot develop only by exporting workers; it must also create knowledge and industries,” the education expert said.