QUALITY education and cutting-edge research have long been the cornerstones of a nation鈥檚 progress. In Bangladesh, however, the education sector has often struggled with challenges ranging from resource shortages to a lack of global competitiveness. At the same time, countless Bangladeshi academicians, researchers, and innovators have excelled in institutions abroad, contributing to advancements in science, technology, and education on a global scale. This dual reality underscores a critical question: How can Bangladesh harness the potential of its diaspora to address the gaps in its academic and research landscape?
Bangladesh stands at a crucial juncture in 2025, where its ambitions for socio-economic transformation hinge on innovation and intellectual capital. With its burgeoning economy and growing global footprint, the nation is poised to reclaim talented expatriates who have sharpened their skills abroad. This concept of reverse brain drain is essential for revitalising Bangladesh鈥檚 research and academic landscape. By bringing back talented academicians and researchers living abroad 鈥� or engaging them in part-time and visiting roles 鈥� Bangladesh aims to rejuvenate its education sector and foster a culture of innovation.
Yet, despite these promising opportunities, the process of reintegrating expatriates remains fraught with challenges. Bureaucratic rigidity, inadequate infrastructure, and limited financial incentives have deterred many from returning. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, countries like China, India, and South Korea have demonstrated the power of leveraging their global diaspora to build world-class universities and drive economic growth. For Bangladesh, embracing a similar strategy is not merely an option but a necessity. The time has come to unlock the untapped academic potential of its expatriates and position the nation as a hub of quality education and research in South Asia and beyond.
One of the most significant barriers to attracting expatriate academics and researchers is the rigid and outdated recruitment system, which often undermines the achievements of highly qualified professionals. An over-emphasis on Secondary School Certificate and Higher Secondary Certificate results disqualifies many expatriates with advanced postgraduate credentials or extensive research experience based on minor academic setbacks from their teenage years. This rigid criterion discourages potential candidates and deprives the nation of valuable expertise. Additionally, political interference in university appointments and governance has further eroded trust in the recruitment process, creating an environment where merit is often overlooked. The bureaucratic requirement for several hard copies of academic documents, complete with attested versions, adds another layer of inconvenience, especially for those living abroad. Moreover, the inadequacy of written tests and the insistence on physical appearances for viva examinations impose additional financial and logistical burdens, leading many expatriates to forgo applying altogether. These systemic bottlenecks highlight the urgent need for a more inclusive, transparent, and flexible recruitment process that values merit over bureaucracy and outdated norms.
By contrast, developed countries like Canada, Germany, and Australia adopt inclusive and merit-based recruitment practices. These nations prioritise advanced qualifications, research output, and teaching experience over early academic records. Furthermore, they utilise virtual recruitment processes, such as online interviews and presentations, to reduce logistical costs and streamline hiring. Such practices ensure access to a diverse global talent pool while maintaining cost efficiency. In Bangladesh, requiring candidates to travel for interviews is unproductive and time-consuming for academics. Such financial and logistical burdens could be mitigated through similar virtual arrangements.
Bangladesh can draw inspiration from countries successfully implementing reverse brain drain strategies. For instance, China has actively engaged its diaspora through initiatives such as research grants, academic positions, and start-up funding. Similarly, India has benefitted from the contributions of its global talent pool in sectors ranging from technology to healthcare. The government has established specialised programmes in South Korea to attract expatriates and incentivise their return, including competitive salaries, research funding, and tax benefits. These efforts have significantly boosted the global reputation of South Korean universities and fostered innovation across various sectors. By adopting similar measures, Bangladesh can transform its higher education sector into a globally competitive one.
Bangladesh must implement targeted reforms focused on merit, inclusivity, and global best practices to reverse the brain drain and foster a thriving academic environment. Recruitment criteria should prioritise advanced qualifications, research output, and professional achievements over early academic performance, ensuring a fair and merit-based evaluation system. Virtual recruitment practices, including online interviews and presentations, can reduce costs, expand access to global talent, and streamline decision-making. Substantial investment in research infrastructure 鈥� state-of-the-art laboratories, international databases, and centralised research hubs 鈥� alongside increased funding for interdisciplinary and industry-linked projects is essential to attract expatriates and drive innovation. Transparent grant mechanisms and partnerships with private and international organisations can further support these efforts. Additionally, fostering an inclusive academic culture that promotes academic freedom, reduces bureaucratic barriers, and encourages collaboration is critical. Flexible policies like dual appointments and remote research opportunities can make academic roles more appealing to expatriates. By adopting these measures, Bangladesh can create a merit-driven, innovative, and globally connected academic environment, propelling the nation towards research and academic excellence.
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Dr Zobayer Ahmed is an associate professor at the Bangladesh Institute of Governance and Management. Md Mominur Rahman is an assistant professor at the BIGM.