Brain Drain in Bangladesh

                       Brain Drain in Bangladesh

Brain drain would have made sense maybe in the 80s or 90s when a young individual would have left the country to have a better life, a life to which they aspired all of their life. But why is brain drain such a common phenomenon now? Why is it happening right now?

Brain Drain may seem like a term derived from pure science fiction. However, it is linked with today’s reality thoroughly. Brain drain simply refers to the term of the departure of educated people from one country, economic sector, or field for better pay or living conditions. 

This results in losing the valuable, competent population of a developing country to a highly developed one.  It has become a matter of concern as it can practically strangle the basic development of a country.  

According to a UNFPA report, Bangladesh is currently enjoying a demographic dividend. That is to say, our unique population ratio reflects that our nation has a significant working population. 

As of 2021, 40% percent of our population is between the ages of 15-35, meaning this large amount of population can quickly learn new things, and skills, undertake new tasks and work more to impact the economy by improving their own lives.

                                                                                                                                                                        Image Source: Daily Sun 

But this will only pay if we invest heavily in healthcare, education, and skill development to unlock the potential of young individuals. 

But unfortunately, brain drain has become a serious common phenomenon in this country. This is happening as a result of two main factors, push and pull factors. One of the major pull factors is the lack of higher education opportunities in this country.

On the contrary, the major pull factors are better careers, social security, and freedom of life. Both these factors are contributing to the leaving of competent individuals for good.

Human resources are said to be one of the greatest strengths of a nation. And as one of the largest nations in the world, one would assume that for Bangladesh, 

                                                                                                                                                            Image Source: Bangladesh Post 

things will be going upward.  But if the government does not act fast in stopping the brain drain, there will be nothing left to do for this country. Rigorous steps must be taken to stop brain drain -

Support for high-potential individuals:

In Taiwan, whenever an individual return to the country with higher degrees from world-renowned universities like MIT, Harvard, or Oxford- the government awards them with several types of incentives to motivate them to make that decision. This includes outright monetary grants, discounted airfares, subsided education for the children, etc. 

If we look around, we'll be pleased to see how many young Bangladeshi individuals are getting degrees from these world-renowned universities. If we also provide these incentives for them, that can be our very own first step towards the race against brain drain.

Protection of positive work-life balance :

As a result of poorly implemented labor laws, both local and multinational companies of Bangladesh get away with massively overworking their employees with little extra fees. Many companies are also responsible for not closing their businesses on weekly holidays. In fact, it is known that the government and corporate sector of Bangladesh has one of the most toxic cultures. So one of the simpler ways the government can stop the brain drain is to implement rigorous laws, deny companies the authority to work their employees beyond certain hours, and take action against those who do. 

Strengthening of the General Security:

This step is the hardest and most unlikely to be implemented any time soon. But lack of general security is the biggest reason behind brain drain. At present, trust in law enforcement is the least it can be. 

We cannot underestimate how powerful the feeling of lack of security can motivate someone to move to another country. So massive levels of implementation must be taken to ensure safety and security for the whole population and in the restoration of faith in law enforcement.

Bangladesh must start working against the brain drain really fast because the clock is ticking and the time to act was yesterday.  So we’re already running behind.