A growing number of Bangladeshis are looking to move abroad in hope of higher incomes, better quality of life and seamless access to top-tier education for their offspring.
According to Numbeo, a global cost-of-living database, the United States has emerged as the most popular destination for Bangladeshis, followed by Canada and the United Kingdom.
Numbeo has come to such an inference following its analysis of comprehensive destination-search data for Bangladesh from 2023 and 2024.
Bangladeshis are often motivated to relocate for reasons like settling in advanced economies, escaping political challenges, pursuing job opportunities, reuniting with family or exploring new countries.
This rising interest in emigration reflects some economic realities in Bangladesh despite the nation's rapid growth over the past decade.
Economists suggest challenges on the job market and a shortage of high-paying positions are prompting many to look for better chances abroad.
"Actually, middle-income people prefer America and Europe for better opportunities," says Dr M Masrur Reaz, chairman of the Policy Exchange of Bangladesh.
"They also want to secure better education and a more promising future for their children," he tells the FE about the trend.
Bangladesh's education system often lacks avenues for international professional certifications and advanced research, which leads many to seek opportunities in countries known for academic excellence and top-ranking universities, according to Dr Zahid Hussain, an independent economist.
Internet search data highlight Bangladeshis' aspirations and increasing global connections, as ambitions for economic stability, quality education and social mobility frequently lead beyond the nation's borders.
A recent Numbeo analysis finds the United States as the most-searched destination for Bangladeshi people, accounting for 10.13 per cent of all searches. This indicates a strong interest in visiting, studying or possibly migrating over there.
Canada stands second, showing 8.8 per cent of searches. The North American country (Canada) is a favourite with Bangladeshis for its immigration-friendly policies and high-quality as well as free education for children.
The United Kingdom or UK, which has a significant Bangladeshi diaspora, comes third at 6.04-percent searches by migration hopefuls.
Comes in sync thereafter Australia, as the fourth choice of Bangladeshis, with 5.55-percent searches. Australia is known for its skilled migration pathways and high living standards.
On the other hand, the UAE ranks highest among Middle-Eastern countries, drawing 3.79 per cent of searches, particularly by those seeking work in construction, hospitality and retails. Some of the searchers also explore business there.
Germany is another popular European destination, attracting 3.75 per cent of searches, due to its robust job market, accessible employment visa and affordable education for international students.
Rounding out the list are Malaysia, Japan and India, with 2.84 per cent, 2.8 per cent and 2.72 per cent of searches respectively, for their unique work, education and cultural opportunities.
In total, 39,040 Bangladeshi residents have recorded more than 166,000 pageviews on destination countries and cities during the reviewed period, underscoring a strong interest in shifting overseas.
Bangladesh's preferences mirror global trends, with the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada ranking as the most-desired destinations worldwide, albeit with varying proportions.
Globally, the United States accounts for 5.31 per cent of all searches, followed by the United Kingdom at 4.37 per cent and Canada at 3.76 per cent.
Numbeo is a Serbian crowd-sourced online database of perceived consumer prices, real property prices and quality of life metrics.
The website was founded in April 2009 by former Google employee Mladen Adamovi? to enable users to share and compare information about the cost of living between countries and cities.
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