Can brain drain be turned into a catalyst for national development?

The issue of "brain drain," referring to the movement of skilled professionals from one country to another, has long been a significant concern for developing nations. In our globalised world, where opportunities for education, employment, and career advancement abound, an increasing number of talented individuals are leaving their native countries in search of better prospects. 

While this trend may seem a natural outcome of interconnected societies, it is crucial to consider the long-term implications for the development of these nations.

The World Bank's 2021 data highlights the critical issue of brain drain in Bangladesh, assigning it a score of 7 out of 10 in the "Human Flight and Brain Drain" category. Ranking 31st out of 173 countries, Bangladesh sits within the top 20% for this metric, reflecting a notable outflow of skilled professionals. 

The Human Flight and Brain Drain Index by TheGlobalEconomy.com shows that Bangladesh's 2024 score stands at 6.7 index points, a slight decrease from 6.8 in 2023. In contrast, the global average is 4.98, based on data from 176 nations. From 2007 to 2024, Bangladesh's average score was 7.61, with the lowest value of 6.7 recorded in 2022 and the highest of 8.4 in 2007.

A recent British Council study conducted ahead of Bangladesh's 12th parliamentary election reveals a worrying trend: 55% of young people express a desire to emigrate, citing unemployment, corruption, discrimination, and authoritarianism as key reasons. 

This reflects significant societal frustration driven by barriers to government jobs, a lack of opportunities for an increasing number of graduates, and restricted political and economic prospects.

Although brain drain is a common challenge for many developing nations, it presents particular obstacles to Bangladesh's progress and development.

According to the 2021 UK census, the population of Bangladeshi-origin residents in England and Wales was 644,900, constituting 1.1% of the total population in these areas. The UK is also the third-largest destination for Bangladeshis and hosts the largest Bengali community outside of Bangladesh and West Bengal. 

Furthermore, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs' (UN-DESA's) 2020 International Migrant Stock data reveals that Europe was home to 456,516 Bangladeshi individuals, with 60% being male and 40% female.

The causes of brain drain are multifaceted. Key factors pushing skilled individuals to seek opportunities abroad include economic instability, limited job openings, inadequate salaries, and political turmoil. In many developing nations, professionals such as doctors, engineers, and scientists face restricted career growth, insufficient infrastructure, and a lack of research funding. 

Conversely, developed countries offer attractive salaries, cutting-edge facilities, and better career progression prospects, making it difficult for talent to remain in their home countries.

The growth of remote work, enhanced global communication, and increased international mobility have significantly accelerated this trend in recent years. Many young professionals armed with degrees from prestigious universities find it easier to secure positions in countries that value their skills.

The loss of educated individuals can severely impact a nation's economy and its capacity for innovation. When highly skilled professionals leave, a "skills gap" emerges, undermining the workforce and hindering progress in critical industries. 

Brain drain is especially detrimental for countries reliant on intellectual talent to drive sectors such as healthcare, education, technology, and engineering, potentially delaying key development goals. 

Additionally, the effects of brain drain are often more acute in rural and underserved areas, where skilled workers are already scarce. The exodus of qualified teachers, doctors, and engineers exacerbates the challenges these regions face in accessing quality education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

However, it is worth noting that the effects of brain drain are not entirely negative. Many talented individuals contribute significantly to the economies and innovation ecosystems of their adopted countries. In doing so, they gain valuable experience, knowledge, and skills that could benefit their home countries if they choose to return.

In Bangladesh, there is a widespread perception that remittances sent by migrant Bangladeshis significantly bolster the national economy. 

However, this view often overlooks the underlying costs associated with these remittances. It is essential to recognise that these skilled individuals are using their expertise to advance foreign nations, while Bangladesh receives only temporary financial benefits in return. 

As these migrants eventually bring their family members to their new countries, the flow of remittances is likely to decline. Consequently, the nation risks losing not only valuable foreign currency but also the intellectual capital of these individuals in the long term.

While brain drain might initially appear to be a one-way phenomenon, there are growing opportunities for reverse brain drain, where expatriates return to their home countries or engage in remote collaborations to support national progress. To encourage this trend, governments and organisations in developing nations must create environments that offer competitive salaries, improved research and development opportunities, and better living conditions. 

In recent years, countries such as India and China have witnessed a reverse brain drain, with skilled professionals returning after gaining substantial experience abroad. These returnees play a pivotal role in fostering innovation and bridging technological gaps.

To address the challenges of brain drain, governments must prioritise creating environments conducive to professional development. This entails not only improving economic conditions but also enhancing overall quality of life, developing robust infrastructure, and investing in research and development initiatives. 

Furthermore, establishing international partnerships, creating innovation hubs, and implementing policies to attract returning talent can enable nations to fully utilise their human resources.

The private sector also has a crucial role in combating brain drain. By fostering collaboration among local businesses, government bodies, and educational institutions, a more dynamic and progressive workforce can emerge. 

Encouraging young professionals to stay in or return to their home countries can create an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship, ultimately benefiting society.

While brain drain poses serious challenges for national development, it can also be transformed into an opportunity for progress if managed effectively. By nurturing local talent, offering attractive prospects for professionals to return, and investing in the future, nations can turn brain drain into a catalyst for advancement. 

Ultimately, it is not the outflow of skilled individuals that determines a country's fate but how the nation responds, supports, and utilises its human capital in an ever-changing landscape.

Ahmed Shamir Sakir is a banker and can be reached at [email protected].

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.