Government Aims to Turn ‘Brain Drain’ into ‘Brain Circulation’: Mahdi Amin

The government plans to transform the long-standing phenomenon of “brain drain” into “brain circulation” by utilizing the expertise, skills, and knowledge of Bangladeshis living abroad, according to Prime Minister’s Adviser and spokesperson Dr. Mahdi Amin.

Speaking at the conference titled “Trade, Economic Growth and Economic Diplomacy Action Plan,” jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) in Dhaka on Saturday, he said the government wants expatriate Bangladeshis to play a greater role in national development through investment, knowledge transfer, and technological collaboration.

Dr. Amin noted that overseas Bangladeshis represent not only a source of remittances but also a valuable reservoir of professional expertise and innovation. The government is working to create opportunities for expatriates to contribute more actively to the country’s economic ecosystem.

Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s vision, he said the government is committed to establishing a transparent, efficient, and well-managed migration system while gradually reducing the influence of middlemen in overseas employment processes.

Highlighting the historical development of overseas employment, he said former President Ziaur Rahman laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s overseas manpower sector, while former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia institutionalized the sector through the establishment of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment.

The adviser emphasized that the government’s focus is shifting from sending large numbers of low-skilled workers abroad to developing a highly skilled workforce capable of competing in global labor markets. Increasing women’s participation in overseas employment is also a key priority.

To improve migration management, the government is considering the introduction of an “Expatriate Card,” which would help maintain a comprehensive database of Bangladeshis living abroad and facilitate better services for them.

He also announced measures to simplify visa applications through QR-code-based verification of financial records and educational certificates.

As part of efforts to prepare young people for international opportunities, the government has launched a special loan scheme under which students seeking language training or short-term courses abroad can receive loans of up to Tk 1 million.

Dr. Amin further said the Foreign Ministry is identifying global labor market demands so that Bangladesh’s education and technical training institutions can align their programs accordingly, ensuring that Bangladeshi workers possess internationally recognized skills and qualifications.