Brain drain vis-
Shawkat Haider | Tuesday, 19 August 2008
WHEN it comes to pursuing a career whether in home country or going abroad for better education and a secured future, the best brains need little energy to spend to decide. First and foremost, they are secured about their future once they have higher education from a recognised school abroad, which we don't see in our system of education, and the young talents are not encouraged to plan a career in the country in the context of socio-economic or political developments. Such brain-drain is a common phenomenon in the developing nations.
In the case of other developing nations, after completing graduation and acquiring professional skills, a good number of expatriates go back to their home countries and apply their expertise in nation-building. However, the limited scope and incentives in our country keep the NRBs (non resident Bangladeshis) from taking such a major decision. Those who opt for taking the risk and come back home, more to serve the country with their expertise than to have personal gain, struggle in the end. Why? If you talk with NRBs, all of them strongly feel for the country, and the majority of them are interested in doing something of their own, rather than joining any corporate house or business group. Many would say it's more of a mind-set issue that holds them back besides the lack of fair policy or infrastructures.
There is a growing interest among the second generation Bangladeshi entrepreneurs who want policy support from the government to be able to invest their money and skill for country's socio-economic development. Companies like Apex, Summit, Akij, ACI, Anwar group etc., are a few of the examples where foreign-educated second generation NRBs have been successfully running and expanding their family business. One would say they have the strong family support and they are blessed with so many privileges like having established and reputed business platform, unlike those who would like to start from the scratch. That's true to some extent. That's why the government should play the key role in ensuring a level playing field for the fresh expatriate investors.
Our neighbouring countries are a vivid example where the lucrative pay cheque and secured future could not hold many of them back in foreign land. Not that countries like India, Taiwan, Singapore or China can offer the financial benefits or social security that one would enjoy in a country like the US or any of those in the European Union (EU), but these countries have created opportunities for their diaspora willing to come back and help build their economy. There are new avenues being opened by those governments for cashing in on the invaluable talents of expatriates.
It is understandable that the outflow of the brightest from a poor country like Bangladesh will continue, but our commitment to building a corruption-free, business-friendly environment, coupled with initiatives like promoting education and research, will prompt many expatriates to come back. Leveraging the diaspora talent will significantly benefit the country's economic development, given the proper strategy in place, and an emerging economy like Bangladesh, afflicted with so many adversities, may find itself as a winner, even amid this out-flux of talent.
The writer is a Ph D and can be reached at Email: shawkathaider@yahoo.com
In the case of other developing nations, after completing graduation and acquiring professional skills, a good number of expatriates go back to their home countries and apply their expertise in nation-building. However, the limited scope and incentives in our country keep the NRBs (non resident Bangladeshis) from taking such a major decision. Those who opt for taking the risk and come back home, more to serve the country with their expertise than to have personal gain, struggle in the end. Why? If you talk with NRBs, all of them strongly feel for the country, and the majority of them are interested in doing something of their own, rather than joining any corporate house or business group. Many would say it's more of a mind-set issue that holds them back besides the lack of fair policy or infrastructures.
There is a growing interest among the second generation Bangladeshi entrepreneurs who want policy support from the government to be able to invest their money and skill for country's socio-economic development. Companies like Apex, Summit, Akij, ACI, Anwar group etc., are a few of the examples where foreign-educated second generation NRBs have been successfully running and expanding their family business. One would say they have the strong family support and they are blessed with so many privileges like having established and reputed business platform, unlike those who would like to start from the scratch. That's true to some extent. That's why the government should play the key role in ensuring a level playing field for the fresh expatriate investors.
Our neighbouring countries are a vivid example where the lucrative pay cheque and secured future could not hold many of them back in foreign land. Not that countries like India, Taiwan, Singapore or China can offer the financial benefits or social security that one would enjoy in a country like the US or any of those in the European Union (EU), but these countries have created opportunities for their diaspora willing to come back and help build their economy. There are new avenues being opened by those governments for cashing in on the invaluable talents of expatriates.
It is understandable that the outflow of the brightest from a poor country like Bangladesh will continue, but our commitment to building a corruption-free, business-friendly environment, coupled with initiatives like promoting education and research, will prompt many expatriates to come back. Leveraging the diaspora talent will significantly benefit the country's economic development, given the proper strategy in place, and an emerging economy like Bangladesh, afflicted with so many adversities, may find itself as a winner, even amid this out-flux of talent.
The writer is a Ph D and can be reached at Email: shawkathaider@yahoo.com