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Why brain drain on rise

Published : Thursday, 28 March, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 854
Pranto Chatterjee
The term rain drain has become a common refrain in discussions about global migration, particularly in the context of developing nations like Bangladesh. It refers to the phenomenon where highly educated individuals leave their home country for better prospects abroad. This exodus is not just a loss of skilled labor but also a significant economic setback for the origin country, as it loses out on the investments made in the education of these individuals.

In recent years, Bangladesh has witnessed an alarming increase in the number of students seeking higher education overseas. According to UNESCO, the figure stood at 52,799 in 2023, a stark rise from 16,609 in 2008. This threefold increase over 15 years paints a picture of a nations youth turning their backs on their homeland in pursuit of what they perceive to be superior opportunities elsewhere.

The reasons behind this trend are multifaceted. Developed countries offer advanced educational platforms, promising career prospects, a higher standard of living, and political stability - factors that are often lacking in Bangladesh. The governments investment in education, exemplified by the 10 lakh BDT spent on each BUET student and 15 lakhs BDT for an MBBS student, seems to go in vain when these students choose not to return.

The impact of this brain drain is profound. Nearly 85% of these students remain abroad, contributing to the workforce of their host countries rather than returning to Bangladesh. This not only deprives Bangladesh of its potential human capital but also represents a financial loss, as the governments expenditure on education fails to yield the intended returns.

While remittances from abroad do provide some economic relief, they are not sufficient to offset the loss. The amount of money the government spends on a students education far outweighs what that student sends back in remittances. Moreover, when these students settle permanently abroad, often taking their families with them, the potential benefits of these remittances are further diminished.


The gender dimension of this issue is particularly noteworthy. Many Bangladeshi women are choosing to settle in Europe and the USA, attracted by the promise of a better life, security, and a more liberal lifestyle. This preference is indicative of a broader societal issue - the failure to create an environment in Bangladesh that is attractive enough for educated individuals, especially women, to return and contribute to the nations development.

Bangladeshs neighbor, India, provides a contrasting narrative. It has managed to leverage its diaspora effectively, turning brain drain into brain gain. Indian expatriates hold significant positions in global institutions like NASA, where they make up a considerable portion of the scientific workforce. Furthermore, Indian doctors represent a substantial percentage of the medical community in the USA. The economic benefits of this brain gain are evident in the 400 billion USD that India amassed in remittances in 2023, a testament to the successful integration of its diaspora into the global economy.

The question then arises: how can Bangladesh emulate Indias success and stem the tide of brain drain? The answer lies in creating opportunities that are attractive enough to lure back its educated youth. This could involve significant investments in research and development, improving living standards, and ensuring political stability. By fostering an environment that values talent and innovation, Bangladesh can hope to not only retain its educated populace but also attract global talent.

While the brain drain presents a formidable challenge, it also offers Bangladesh an opportunity to reflect and reform. By learning from the examples of other nations and focusing on creating a nurturing environment for its citizens, Bangladesh can aspire to turn the tide of brain drain into a wave of brain gain. The return of its global citizens would not only be a cause for celebration but also a catalyst for the nations development and prosperity.

The writer is a former Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholar, holding a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from NIT Durgapur, India


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