Brain Drain in Bangladesh: Through the eyes of a sociologist
Every year, thousands of Bangladeshi students pack their bags and leave for foreign shores, chasing better education, career prospects, and stability. As Bangladesh faces a growing brain drain, it is crucial to understand why young talents are leaving—and what can be done to encourage them to stay
A few years ago, while teaching a Bangladesh Studies course, I asked my students during the first class to raise their hands if they wanted to go abroad.
A significant number of students raised their hands. Curious, I asked them why they wished to leave the country. I often reminded them that they had numerous facilities available to complete their education here, so why would they choose to leave? Did they not love their country?
Most students responded that they did love Bangladesh, and some even mentioned that sending remittances was one way they felt they contributed. Despite this, they still expressed a desire to leave. As a sociologist, I am deeply interested in understanding why my students choose to leave Bangladesh after graduation.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
According to various reports, a significant number of Bangladeshi students have opted to study abroad in recent years. UNESCO reports that approximately 52,799 students pursued higher education overseas in 2023. The United States emerged as the most popular destination, hosting 8,524 Bangladeshi students, followed by the United Kingdom with 6,586 and Canada with 5,835.
As a developing country, Bangladesh is often influenced by the practices and culture of developed nations, with Western culture playing a significant role. Cultural imperialism is one factor contributing to the increasing trend of student migration.
Additionally, limited job opportunities, coupled with the allure of better education and career prospects abroad, are key factors driving this migration. Many graduates prefer to work overseas rather than enter the local job market, raising concerns about brain drain and its potential impact on the country's future development.
A fresh graduate in Bangladesh typically earns between Tk25,000 and 40,000 per month. In contrast, similar jobs in countries like Canada or Australia can offer salaries ranging from Tk200,000 to 300,000. Moreover, in Bangladesh, recruiters often require job experience even for entry-level positions, making it difficult for new graduates to secure employment.
In addition to these economic reasons, political instability is another significant factor contributing to student migration. The uncertainty and unpredictability of the country's political landscape create an environment of insecurity, making it less appealing for young graduates to stay and build their careers in Bangladesh.
To reduce student migration and promote local careers, improvements in job opportunities, entrepreneurship support, salaries, and benefits are essential. Upgrading universities, increasing scholarships, and strengthening industry-university collaboration are key steps to enhancing education and employability.
Creating a better work environment, ensuring fair employment conditions, and promoting the success stories of professionals in Bangladesh will help shift social attitudes and encourage students to build their careers within the country. Additionally, ensuring accountability and transparency in the recruitment process is crucial. If we do not take the necessary steps now, it may soon be too late.
Now is the time to implement structural changes in our country's internal policies to empower young professionals and introduce positive reforms in educational policies to better support our students. Patriotism inspires individuals to contribute to their country's growth. By fostering national pride from childhood, Bangladeshi students can be motivated to stay and improve local conditions.
Practical patriotism involves applying one's skills to drive national progress through innovation and social initiatives. We remain hopeful that our students will help reduce brain drain and shape a brighter future for Bangladesh.
Jannatul Bakia Jeni is a Lecturer at the Department of Sociology at Bangladesh University of Professionals.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.
