The emigration of highly trained or qualified people from a particular country to another is called brain drain. Every year, a significant portion of our country's students pursue higher education in America, England, or other developed countries. Many of them complete their studies, secure employment, and eventually obtain permanent citizenship there.
The emigration of skilled and talented students is a matter of serious concern. A genius has the potential to make unprecedented contributions not only to their personal lives but also to their families, communities, and nations through the proper application of their talents. However, when these individuals leave their homeland for another country, their departure creates a void in their home country. The question is why are our talented people being thus trafficked?
During the 2021-22 academic year, approximately 49,000 students migrated to 57 different countries, with 11,000 students opting for the United States alone in 2022. According to UNESCO data, 70,000 to 90,000 Bangladeshi students migrate abroad for higher education annually. Sources from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) indicate that 40 to 50 per cent of those graduating from this premier engineering university choose to study abroad, with very few returning home.
Several factors contribute to students' interest in pursuing higher education abroad, including job insecurity, political interference in education, inadequate learning environments in schools, and a lack of globally recognised educational standards.
Many students in our country struggle to secure desirable employment even after completing their undergraduate degrees. The unfortunate reality is that despite obtaining honours and master's degrees, some individuals still face difficulties finding employment. This situation leads to depression and, in extreme cases, prompts individuals to consider drastic actions such as suicide or turning to substance abuse.
To address this issue, it is imperative to enhance the quality of education without necessarily increasing the number of educational institutions. Eliminating job insecurity and aligning job opportunities with qualifications can help curb talent trafficking. Government intervention is necessary to raise awareness among students and implement appropriate measures to prevent the silent exodus of intellectual capital.
Sakibul Hasan
Department of Sociology
Dhaka College
