Monday | 13 January 2025 | Reg No- 06
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Monday | 13 January 2025 | Epaper

Why our engineering brain drain takes place

Published : Wednesday, 20 November, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 414
Pranto Chatterjee
Bangladesh is experiencing a troubling trend-a significant outflow of its engineering talent to other nations. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as "brain drain," is leaving the country grappling with the loss of its brightest minds. The impact on the economy, innovation, and national development is profound. While remittances from expatriates offer some solace, the broader consequences of losing engineers to other nations are far-reaching. Why are engineers leaving, and more importantly, how can Bangladesh turn this brain drain into brain gain?

Engineers in Bangladesh face limited professional growth opportunities. Entry-level salaries for engineers often hover around Tk 25,000-30,000-barely sufficient in a rapidly inflating economy. In stark contrast, business graduates or civil servants frequently start their careers with higher compensation packages and better work-life balance. This wage disparity diminishes the allure of engineering careers, driving many to explore opportunities abroad.

The private engineering sector in Bangladesh is notorious for its lack of work-life balance, unregulated overtime, and lack of job security. Engineers often work long hours under high pressure without adequate compensation. Additionally, many technical jobs lack basic facilities, creating an unappealing environment for skilled professionals.

Engineering curricula in Bangladesh lean heavily on theoretical knowledge, with limited emphasis on practical skills and innovation. Laboratories in universities are often outdated, and research funding is scarce. Engineers who wish to engage in cutting-edge research or advanced learning feel compelled to move to nations with better-equipped institutions and more robust academic frameworks.

Moving abroad is often perceived as a marker of success in Bangladeshi society. The promise of higher salaries, better career trajectories, and superior living standards creates a social narrative that glorifies migration. This "pull factor" exerts additional pressure on aspiring engineers to seek greener pastures.

The exodus of skilled engineers stifles innovation and reduces the pool of homegrown talent available for infrastructure development, technology advancement, and industrial growth. According to UNESCO, over 52,000 Bangladeshi students pursued higher education abroad in 2023, with many choosing not to return. This trend is not limited to students; experienced professionals are also leaving, creating a vacuum in industries critical to national progress.

To fill the gap left by departing engineers, Bangladesh increasingly relies on foreign experts. Transparency International Bangladesh reported that over 250,000 foreign workers were employed in the country in 2020, draining billions of dollars annually in wages sent abroad. This reliance on imported expertise undermines the potential for building a self-sufficient economy.

While remittances from expatriates contribute significantly to Bangladesh's economy-$23.91 billion in FY24-they come at the cost of lost domestic productivity and innovation. The reliance on remittances can create a false sense of economic security while masking the long-term damage caused by brain drain.

To reverse this trend, Bangladesh must implement comprehensive strategies aimed at retaining engineering talent and attracting those who have already left. These efforts need to address the systemic issues pushing engineers out and create an environment conducive to professional growth and innovation.

Enhance Compensation and Benefits: One of the simplest yet most impactful changes is revising the salary structure for engineers. Competitive wages, performance-based incentives, and benefits like housing, healthcare, and pensions can make engineering careers more attractive.

Strengthen Research and Development: Investment in research infrastructure is critical. Universities must establish state-of-the-art laboratories and secure funding for innovative projects. Partnerships with global institutions can facilitate knowledge exchange, allowing local engineers to work on advanced technologies without leaving the country.

Promote Work-Life Balance: Reforming labor laws to ensure regulated working hours, adequate leave policies, and a focus on employee well-being can significantly improve job satisfaction among engineers.

Create Incentives for Returning Professionals: Bangladesh can encourage expatriates to return by offering tax breaks, startup grants, and research funding. Establishing special economic zones (SEZs) tailored for engineering innovation can attract entrepreneurs and skilled professionals from the diaspora.

Foster Collaboration Between Academia and Industry: Bridging the gap between theoretical education and industry demands is essential. Universities should collaborate with industries to design practical curricula and provide internship opportunities. Engineers who feel better prepared for real-world challenges are more likely to stay.

National Recognition and Policy Inclusion: Creating a platform for engineers to influence policy decisions and national projects can enhance their sense of value. Recognizing engineering achievements at the national level can inspire young professionals to stay and contribute.

The loss of engineering talent is not just a professional issue-it's a national crisis that requires urgent attention. Reversing brain drain is not an overnight task; it demands collective effort from the government, private sector, and civil society. By addressing the root causes of migration and fostering an environment where engineers can thrive, Bangladesh has the opportunity to transform its brain drain into brain gain.

With strategic interventions, the narrative can shift. The same engineers who leave for better prospects can return as ambassadors of innovation, bringing with them global expertise to build a better Bangladesh. The question is no longer why they are leaving, but rather how Bangladesh can evolve into a place they would eagerly call home again.

The writer is a postgraduate student in Autonomous Vehicle Engineering at the University of Naples Federico II, Italy



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