Md. Nurul Haque

Brain drain is the migration of highly educated, skilled, and talented individuals from a country to more developed nations. It has been an ongoing concern for Bangladesh and carries long-term economic consequences. Talented individuals who have been educated and trained domestically often leave the country for better opportunities, higher salaries, and improved living conditions. The country invests heavily in its education, hoping that it will contribute to national growth. Still, when these individuals choose to leave, the country faces a talent vacuum, with unskilled or less competent individuals filling key positions. The administration and management of the country end up suffering, leading to inefficiencies and a decline in intellectual standards. As a result, Bangladesh misses out on a valuable workforce critical to building a professional and well-functioning society.

Several societal factors contribute to the brain drain issue in Bangladesh. At the top of the list is the pursuit of better career opportunities. Bangladesh has long struggled with unemployment, and many graduates find securing well-paying and satisfying jobs challenging. There is also a prevalent sense of social injustice and economic inequality, significantly contributing to youth frustration. In addition to facing corruption, favoritism, and undervaluation of their skills, young professionals are often disillusioned by the lack of technological advancement and fewer opportunities for research and innovation in the country.

The political instability significantly influences the decision of many young, talented individuals to seek opportunities abroad in Bangladesh. They perceive their future as insecure due to the country's governance issues, including a low living standard, inadequate healthcare, and limited economic opportunities. This political environment forces them to seek safer, more stable options abroad, where they can enjoy a higher quality of life.

While the country loses its skilled workforce, it ironically hosts a large number of foreign workers. According to a report from the Special Branch and Security Services Department of Bangladesh Police, as of December 31 of last year, there were around 107,167 legal foreign nationals in Bangladesh, with estimates suggesting the actual number may be much higher. Most of these foreigners, particularly from India and China, occupy key positions in various sectors of the economy, such as garments, IT, consultancy, and media. Many of them work in Bangladesh illegally, without proper permits, earning significant salaries while evading taxes and sending large sums of money out of the country.

This situation has significant economic implications for Bangladesh. These foreign workers are estimated to send over $12 billion out of the country annually, a massive outflow of wealth from an already struggling economy. At the same time, the local population faces unprecedented levels of unemployment, with many Bangladeshis risking their lives in dangerous migration journeys to the Middle East or Malaysia in search of work. They are often met with exploitation and abuse in foreign lands, a stark contrast to the privileges enjoyed by foreign workers in Bangladesh.

The ongoing brain drain does not have immediate harmful consequences, but it seriously threatens the economy in the long run. The country's inability to retain its skilled workforce will lead to a future where Bangladesh is left with a shortage of capable individuals to drive innovation, governance, and development. This issue has remained uncontrolled and continues to worsen each year.

To address the brain drain problem, Bangladesh must create incentives and opportunities for its talented individuals to stay. It is not just about creating more jobs; there must be investments in sectors such as scientific research, higher education, and the arts. Talented individuals need the infrastructure and resources to engage in meaningful work that can lead to national development. Providing them with a comfortable and financially secure life in Bangladesh is essential to making them feel valued and respected in their homeland.

Additionally, Bangladesh must work on attracting expatriates and skilled workers back to the country. A policy of reverse brain drain should be implemented, encouraging those who have left for higher education or better opportunities abroad to return. Offering incentives, such as competitive salaries and prestigious positions, can entice highly skilled professionals back to Bangladesh. It is essential for these individuals to feel that they have opportunities to grow within their home country, both professionally and socially.

A concerted effort to improve Bangladesh's living conditions and career prospects could help retain its best and brightest. The government should import advanced technology and research facilities, allowing talented individuals to explore their full potential. Moreover, the country needs to curb the influx of illegal foreign workers and ensure that local talent is prioritized in critical economic sectors.

The case of Dr. Jamal Nazrul Islam, one of the world's best scientists and a shining example of patriotism, shows that not everyone is driven solely by money and career prospects. Many highly talented individuals want to return to Bangladesh and contribute to its development, motivated by a sense of duty and love for their country. All they require is the assurance of a few essential facilities like decent living conditions, opportunities for career advancement, and respect for their contributions.

The unemployment issue in Bangladesh, now at an all-time high of 12%, has become a grave concern. The youth of the country, desperate for work, are perishing at sea or being held captive in foreign lands, facing brutal exploitation. Meanwhile, illegal foreign workers in Bangladesh are siphoning billions of dollars from the country without paying taxes. The dual issues of brain drain and the inflow of foreign workers are devastatingly affecting the local economy, and these problems need to be urgently addressed.

The solution lies in improving the domestic job market, creating a favorable environment for skilled professionals, and providing them with the tools they need to succeed in Bangladesh. Policymakers must prioritize the development of human resources by investing in education, research, and employment opportunities. This will not only help stop the brain drain but also position Bangladesh for long-term economic growth and development.

Finally, while it may not be possible to halt skilled worker migration completely, reverse brain drain policies can be a game-changer. By connecting expatriates and highly qualified individuals to local organizations and offering them attractive opportunities, Bangladesh can benefit from their expertise and knowledge. This will help improve the country's social and economic structure and create a more robust, more resilient workforce for the future. Brain drain is not inevitable, and with the right policies in place, Bangladesh can retain its talented workforce and build a brighter, more prosperous future.

The Writer is an assistant professor of English at IUBAT and a PhD candidate at Universiti Putra Malaysia