Repatriation Model: A call to action for the skilled diaspora
The Repatriation Model is a framework that encourages the skilled Bangladeshi diaspora to return home, using their knowledge, talent, and willpower to contribute to the nation’s development
In a speech to expatriate workforce policymakers, Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed once touched on a theme that deeply resonates with the Bangladeshi diaspora.
One of his most compelling ideas is the notion that those endowed with knowledge, talent, and willpower are naturally drawn back to their homeland, no matter how far they have ventured abroad. This idea, especially relevant in Bangladesh today, forms the backbone of what we call the 'Repatriation Model'.
The Repatriation Model is a framework that encourages the skilled Bangladeshi diaspora to return home, using their knowledge, talent, and willpower to contribute to the nation's development.
This model highlights the importance of relevance, adaptability, and creativity in ensuring that returnees can effectively address local challenges and drive progress.
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By drawing on examples of successful repatriates, the model serves as a call to action, urging expatriates to become part of Bangladesh's transformation into a more prosperous and equitable society.
As a developing nation, Bangladesh has always faced the challenge of brain drain—where educated and skilled individuals often settle abroad after completing their studies, thereby depleting the country's intellectual and social capital.
By harnessing the qualities of knowledge, talent, and will, these individuals can play a pivotal role in the nation's progress if they choose to return.
The triad of repatriation: Knowledge, talent, and willpower
The Repatriation Model revolves around three cardinal qualities: Knowledge, Talent, and Will. To better understand how these qualities interact, they can be explained through a Venn diagram, where their intersections reveal the essential attributes necessary for a successful return to Bangladesh.
Knowledge and talent: Relevance
The intersection of knowledge and talent emphasises the importance of relevance for those considering returning to Bangladesh. Having the right expertise is essential, but it must align with the country's specific needs.
For example, a Bangladeshi engineer specialising in renewable energy might discover many opportunities at home, where such solutions are urgently needed.
However, their effectiveness depends on understanding the local challenges. Similarly, a software engineer proficient in AI might struggle to apply their skills in Bangladesh if the technological infrastructure isn't advanced enough.
Therefore, the impact of one's knowledge and talent is directly linked to its relevance in the local context.
Talent and willpower: Adaptability
The intersection of talent and will underscores the necessity of adaptability. Bangladesh offers unique challenges distinct from those in more developed nations, requiring returning professionals to adapt for both personal and national growth.
This adaptability means adjusting to different work environments, understanding local bureaucracies, and navigating cultural nuances.
For instance, a marketing expert returning after years abroad may excel globally, but without tailoring strategies to fit local consumer behaviours, their impact may fall short.
On a personal level, those accustomed to a comfortable life may need to embrace new realities, all while contributing to the vision of a thriving Bangladesh.
Willpower and knowledge: Creativity
The third and final intersection, between will and knowledge, leads to creativity. The willingness to return to Bangladesh must be coupled with a creative application of one's knowledge.
This creativity is about finding innovative ways to overcome the limitations present in the country, be it in infrastructure, resources, or institutional frameworks.
Consider a medical researcher skilled in advanced healthcare technologies. They may encounter challenges in Bangladesh due to limited resources and differing healthcare needs.
However, by creatively adapting low-cost technologies or launching community-based health initiatives, they can make a significant impact and gain respect, driving breakthroughs that benefit society as a whole.
The holistic intersection: The ideal repatriate
At the centre of the Venn diagram lies the ideal repatriate—someone who embodies all three qualities - relevance, adaptability, and creativity. Individuals in this subset are not just expected to return to their homeland, but are deemed to be the movers and shakers.
They are the dreamers who are hell bent in doing what needs to be done in order to bring about meaningful change. These repatriates are uniquely positioned to tackle Bangladesh's challenges, leveraging their knowledge, talent, and determination to drive progress and innovation.
Examples like Dr Fazle Hasan Abed, who envisioned a poverty-free nation, and Sylvana Qader Chowdhury, who founded Praava Health to improve healthcare access, exemplify the Repatriation Model in action.
A personal journey: Putting the model into practice
The Repatriation Model is not just a theoretical construct; it is a lived reality for many who have chosen to return and contribute to Bangladesh's growth.
As one of the co-authors (Dr Khurshid) of this article, I can share my personal experience with the readers.
I, too, found myself drawn back home after 12 years of studying and working in Japan. With a background in architectural planning and significant experience in project management, I returned to Bangladesh in October 2011, driven by the desire to apply the skills and knowledge I had acquired abroad.
Project Management Consultancy in the real estate sector was virtually unheard of in Bangladesh at that time. After working for a company for a year, I took a leap of faith and started the first pure-play project management consultancy in the real estate sector in 2013.
The journey has been anything but smooth; it has required every ounce of tenacity, adaptability, and creativity I could muster. Yet, in spite of all challenges we had to face, our firm not only survived but thrived, growing steadily over the last 11 years.
My story is not about celebrating personal achievements but it illustrates how the Repatriation Model can be realised in practice. It is our hope that it will inspire others in the diaspora to consider returning and contributing to the nation's development.
A call to action
In light of current events, the Repatriation Model serves as a call to action for the skilled Bangladeshi diaspora. The future of Bangladesh hinges on the return of those who possess the knowledge, talent, and will to make a difference.
By ensuring that their skills are relevant, their mindset adaptable, and their approach creative, these individuals can help transform Bangladesh into a more prosperous and equitable society.
The current state of affairs in Bangladesh is frequently criticised for not being as safe, secure, or conducive as the lifestyles many enjoy abroad. It is commonly expected that the country should first create a favourable environment to welcome back its diaspora.
However, we believe that this responsibility is a shared one. It is not solely the nation's duty to prepare the ground; those returning also have a crucial role to play in improving these conditions.
The diaspora can shape the environment they wish to return to by engaging in the growth of their homeland. Through collective efforts, essential improvements can be achieved, steering Bangladesh forward.
As Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed reminds us, the truly capable will find their way home. The Repatriation Model offers a path to personal fulfilment and nation-building. There's no place like home.
Let us find our way home!
Dr Khurshid Almeher is a Project Management Specialist. Afreen Huda is a Human Resources Professional.
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
