The latest statistics from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reveal a sharp rise in the number of Bangladeshi students going abroad in pursuit of higher education and better living standards, reports UNB.
Over the past 15 years, this figure has more than tripled, reflecting a growing trend: for many graduates, the primary goal in life is to leave the country.
According to a World Bank survey, the number of educated unemployed individuals in Bangladesh has increased by nearly 10% in the past decade.
University graduates struggle to enter the job market, which in turn drives a growing inclination to migrate overseas.
Ayaz Bin Faruk, a student in the English department at East West University in Dhaka, has just two semesters left before completing his undergraduate studies. Yet, he remains uncertain about his career path.
Expressing his frustration, Ayaz said, "Bangladeshi students generally have three options: prepare for the BCS exam, study for bank recruitment tests, or take the IELTS and go abroad."
In Bangladesh, the BCS (Bangladesh Civil Service) jobs are considered top-tier ones due to its security and social status.
But, the number of vacancies is negligible compared to the number of applicants.
Data from the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC) shows that 325,608 candidates applied for the 46th BCS examination, whereas only 3,140 positions were available.
Safiur Rahman, a Political Science student at the University of Dhaka, said, "Every morning, students line up at the Central Library to prepare for the BCS.
Some begin their preparation from the very first year.
In Bangladesh, the BCS is seen as a golden deer, but for many, going abroad seems a more practical decision."
Beyond competitive exams, social factors are also driving students abroad. Fatema Jahan Iku, a former student of North South University, recently transferred her credits and moved to London to continue her studies.
In Bangladesh, women still lack equal rights in the workplace, and societal norms are often not favourable to their dignity. For many women from educated, upper-middle-class families, foreign countries offer greater safety and social comfort.
Iku noted that these factors are pivotal for female students considering overseas education.
As per the Bangladesh Bureau of Educational Information and Statistics (BANBEIS), around one million students graduate every year, yet there is no structured job market or national employment strategy to accommodate this influx.
Dr Muhammad Nurul Islam, an English professor at the University of Houston in the United States, believes that the ratio between job availability and the number of graduates makes it clear why so many choose to leave.
"Educated youths aren't finding suitable jobs in the country. Those studying abroad see no guarantee of good employment if they return. Without a concrete plan, campaigns like 'Reverse Brain BD' can't succeed," he said.
The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics reports that 12% of the unemployed population holds at least a bachelor's or master's degree. By contrast, those with no formal education have lower rates of unemployment, underscoring the lack of adequate employment for the highly educated.
Meanwhile, those who are employed are often dissatisfied with their salaries and benefits. Many young professionals are also frustrated with outdated office cultures.
