Bangladesh Plans From 'Brain Drain' to 'Brain Circulation' Blueprint

The government is seeking to transform the long-standing phenomenon of “brain drain” into “brain circulation” by harnessing the knowledge, experience, technological expertise, and investment capacity of Bangladeshis living abroad for the country’s development, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin has said.

Mahdi Amin, who holds the rank of a state minister, currently oversees the Ministries of Education, Primary and Mass Education, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and Labour and Employment.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a conference titled “Trade, Economic Growth and Economic Diplomacy Action Plan” held on Saturday at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

Mahdi Amin said that while the permanent migration of skilled professionals abroad had traditionally been viewed as “brain drain,” the current government aims to turn it into “brain circulation.”

He noted that Bangladeshis residing across the globe are not merely remittance senders but important partners in the nation’s development journey. Their accumulated knowledge, professional experience, technological expertise, and international networks can play a significant role in advancing the country's economy.

The adviser said the government plans to increase Bangladeshi participation not only in blue-collar employment but also in white-collar and professional occupations in international markets. He added that expatriates can contribute through investments, technology transfer, and the creation of skill-development opportunities for future generations.

According to Mahdi Amin, the government’s priorities include diversifying overseas employment markets, developing a skilled workforce, and making migration processes more transparent and organized. To achieve these goals, initiatives have been undertaken to reduce the influence of intermediaries and establish technology-driven, accountable systems.

He revealed that the government is planning to introduce an “Expatriate Card” for Bangladeshis living abroad. The card would enable expatriate data to be stored on an integrated government platform, making migration management more efficient and secure.

The adviser also said efforts are underway to simplify, digitize, and enhance the transparency of visa application procedures. Future plans include enabling the verification of applicants’ financial records and academic certificates through QR-code-based authentication systems.

Emphasizing workforce development, he said the government is expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs in line with international labor market demands. Under a recently launched initiative, students interested in learning third languages or pursuing short-term overseas training programs can receive loans of up to Tk 1 million.

He further noted that the government is working with international partners to ensure global recognition of certifications earned by Bangladeshi workers, which would broaden employment opportunities abroad and strengthen their competitiveness in international labor markets.

Mahdi Amin said Bangladeshi workers are increasingly gaining acceptance worldwide because of their discipline, skills, and work ethic. With appropriate policy support, training, and capacity-building initiatives, this potential can be expanded significantly.

He stressed that the government views migration as part of a broader national development strategy. Greater engagement of expatriates, he said, could unlock new opportunities in the areas of trade, investment, technology, and economic growth.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and the Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir also addressed the conference. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam moderated the session.

The conference featured three thematic sessions focusing on trade and investment policy, financing and investment mobilization, and emerging growth sectors including artificial intelligence, creative industries, and sports.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the conference was organized at a time of significant global transformation, risks, and uncertainties. Its objective was to strengthen economic diplomacy, improve policy coordination, and deepen partnerships with the international community.