Why Bangladesh can’t engage its diaspora to fill in expertise gaps

The French traveller Bernier was profoundly amazed by the diversity and abundance he witnessed in East Bengal, now Bangladesh. Unfortunately, much of these traditions and wealth have become relics of the past due to a legacy of misrule and bad foreign and domestic politics.

This legacy of poor governance has fractured Bangladesh's institutional framework. Institutions fail to reach their full potential, stifled by decades of mismanagement. The movement last July was a response to this persistent misgovernance and political dysfunction.

This successful revolution has created an opportunity to lay a strong institutional foundation for the nation. By reclaiming what was lost, Bangladesh now has the chance to position itself as a significant player on the global stage.

Engaging the youth in nation-building

This moment represents an ideal opportunity to involve the youth in rebuilding the country's institutions and infrastructure. Harnessing their energy and innovation will require effective planning to connect locally nurtured talents with those who have acquired global knowledge and world-class skills. Such collaboration could be transformative for nation-building.

It is often alleged that Bangladeshis living in Europe and America focus more on settling abroad than contributing to their homeland. However, such accusations lack factual support. A closer look at remittance data reveals that the United States consistently ranks among the top contributors. 

Following the July Revolution, the US emerged as the leading source of remittances in September. In August alone, nearly $300 million in remittances were sent from the US to Bangladesh.

Moreover, conversations with Bangladeshi scholars abroad, both before and during the July Revolution, reveal a strong desire to contribute to their home country. Many have expressed their intent to return and make meaningful contributions.

The talent drain and its consequences

It is an open secret that numerous talented students in Bangladesh, despite earning first-class honours and advanced degrees, are overlooked for suitable positions due to political considerations. Frustrated, many of them have left the country. 

After pursuing higher education in Europe and North America, many of these individuals have become university professors or taken on other prestigious roles. These skilled professionals, now established abroad, frequently express their eagerness to contribute to Bangladesh through social media and other platforms.

According to the US Embassy in Dhaka, over 17,000 Bangladeshi students went to the US for higher studies in 2024, up from approximately 13,500 in 2023. Over the past five years, nearly 59,000 Bangladeshi students have pursued education in the US.

Data shows that post-pandemic, the number of students studying abroad has increased not only in STEM fields but also in areas such as communication, journalism, political science, anthropology, arts, and culture. 

The removal of mandatory tests, such as the GRE, by many American universities has further facilitated access to higher education.

Lack of government support

Currently, most Bangladeshi students pursuing higher education abroad rely on personal arrangements. There is little to no government support for these endeavours. 

Students seeking admission abroad face significant challenges, including difficulties in paying applications or admission fees exceeding $300 due to the ongoing dollar shortage in the country. Banks often refuse to open student files, exacerbating the problem.

If the government provided organised support for talented students to study abroad, the nation would reap immense benefits. State initiatives could address financial barriers while boosting students' morale. 

The Ministry of Education, for example, could announce targeted support packages, while banks could offer financial schemes to ease the burden on deserving but financially constrained students.

Additionally, creating exchange programmes for skilled and talented students would enhance diplomatic relations. Such exchanges foster mutual trust between nations and instil a sense of responsibility among participants toward their home country. 

When personal efforts are combined with government support, more students will have access to international education, ultimately contributing to higher remittances and a more skilled workforce.

Benefits of a skilled workforce

In today's globalised world, countries must embrace the positive cultural and technological advancements of others while maintaining their unique identity. Individuals with international study or work experience are better positioned to adapt to this dynamic.

Many nations actively send their talented students and early-career professionals abroad to gain expertise, particularly in Europe and America. While Bangladesh has taken some initiatives in this regard, they remain insufficient compared to what is needed. 

There are limited programmes for students, and the lack of a conducive environment for post-study employment often discourages them from returning home.

The government must take steps to address these challenges. Initiatives to bring back skilled professionals who have earned advanced degrees abroad are urgently needed. Offering competitive and respectful positions in relevant fields would encourage these individuals to return, enabling them to contribute to their sectors with innovative thinking, analytical skills, and research expertise. 

Such measures would not only benefit the country but also provide these professionals with an opportunity to live close to their families and escape the monotony of life abroad.

Opportunities across sectors

This approach can be applied to various sectors. For instance, the garments industry, Bangladesh's primary export sector, has yet to achieve full self-sufficiency despite operating for nearly four decades. 

A significant portion of export earnings is spent on importing raw materials and paying salaries to foreign officials. By conducting local research and producing raw materials domestically, import costs could be significantly reduced.

Additionally, reducing reliance on both legal and illegal foreign workers would help retain more of the country's export earnings. According to "Mapped in Bangladesh," there are nearly 4,000 garment factories in the country. 

However, a considerable number of mid and high-level positions in these factories are held by foreigners, particularly from Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan.

Similarly, the IT and software sector offers immense potential. According to the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), the country spends $1.5 to $2 billion annually on importing software. 

By leveraging the skills of Bangladeshis educated abroad, these costs could be reduced, and the country could emerge as a significant player in the global IT market. The same principle applies to other sectors, including healthcare, medicine, and various branches of science, social sciences, arts and culture.

The need for accurate data

A common concern is whether Bangladesh has enough skilled workers to meet the demands of these sectors. The answer is a resounding yes. 

However, the government lacks organised data on the skilled workforce, including the number of Bangladeshis who pursue higher education abroad, their areas of expertise, and how many returns to contribute to the country.

This lack of data is a significant barrier to effective planning. Accurate and reliable information is essential for developing targeted policies and strategies. Since the July Revolution, discussions about reforms in various sectors have gained momentum. 

To turn these reforms into reality, a database of skilled individuals must be created without delay.

Creating a skilled workforce database

Embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions can play a crucial role in building such a database. The Ministry of Education could coordinate with these offices to gather data on Bangladeshi students and professionals abroad. In the digital age, this task can be efficiently managed with dedicated personnel and proper categorisation.

The Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment already encourages remittance senders through various initiatives. Similarly, the Ministry of Education could track and support the country's talented students. 

Lessons can be learned from the expatriates' ministry, which facilitates low-cost foreign employment and offers bank loans and rehabilitation programmes for returning workers.

A comprehensive database should include not only Bangladeshi scientists but also experts in social sciences, arts, and other fields. These individuals possess both specialised knowledge and valuable international experience. 

The government could engage them in two ways: by offering suitable positions to those willing to return and by creating opportunities for project-based or part-time contributions from those who choose to remain abroad.

Turning possibilities into reality

By effectively utilising both categories of skilled individuals, Bangladesh can transform potential into tangible progress. This approach will strengthen the country's ability to tackle domestic and international challenges. The objectives of the July Revolution will be realised, enabling the youth to thrive and ensuring that Bangladesh truly becomes an independent and sovereign state.