From Brain Drain to Brain Share

For decades, the term “brain drain” has been used to describe the emigration of talented individuals from developing countries to more developed ones. Bangladesh has long been part of this global pattern, with countless bright minds seeking better education, careers, and quality of life abroad.

But what if this isn’t the end of the story? What if the very talent that left can become a vital part of our nation’s progress? At BOND, we believe it’s time to shift the narrative from brain drain to brain share.

The Problem with “Brain Drain”

The term “brain drain” carries a heavy sense of loss. It suggests that when skilled professionals leave, they are lost forever to the country. This view is outdated in a world that is more connected, mobile, and collaborative than ever.

The truth is:

• Many NRBs maintain strong emotional, cultural, and professional ties to Bangladesh.
• A significant number are eager to contribute, invest, or return if given the right opportunities.
• Global movement is not necessarily a loss; it can be a strategic resource.

Instead of viewing our diaspora as absent citizens, we must start seeing them as global assets.

What Is Brain Share?

Brain share is the idea that knowledge, skills, networks, and ideas gained abroad can be shared with the home country without requiring permanent return. It’s about creating a mutually beneficial flow of talent, insights, and innovation between NRBs and Bangladesh.

This can take many forms:

• Short-term return for teaching, mentoring, or consulting
• Virtual collaboration on research, innovation, or entrepreneurship
• Strategic investments in startups, education, and healthcare
• Policy advice or global advocacy for Bangladesh’s development

It’s a mindset shift from losing talent to leveraging it.

Why Brain Share Is a Smart Strategy

The benefits of brain share are wide-ranging and sustainable. Here’s why it matters:

1. Access to Global Expertise

NRBs often work in top global institutions, companies, and universities. Their insights can help upgrade Bangladesh’s standards in health, education, technology, finance, and governance.

2. Faster Innovation

With exposure to cutting-edge systems abroad, returnees and collaborators can bring new ideas and accelerate local innovation.

3. Stronger Global Networks

NRBs connect Bangladesh to international markets, investors, partners, and opportunities that are otherwise out of reach.

4. Nation Branding

Diaspora professionals act as informal ambassadors, changing the way the world sees Bangladesh from a country of need to a country of potential.

The Role of BOND

At BOND (Bridging Organization with NRBs for Development), our mission is to make brain share a reality, not just an idea. We are building platforms and partnerships that allow NRBs to engage meaningfully in the development of Bangladesh wherever they are in the world.

Our initiatives focus on:

• Facilitating knowledge exchange between global experts and local institutions
• Supporting diaspora-led innovation and social enterprises
• Creating collaborative spaces for mentorship, research, and impact projects
• Advocating for policies that make it easier for NRBs to contribute remotely or in person

Whether someone returns for a month, a year, or just a virtual session it all counts.

From Drain to Gain: A New Development Model

It’s time we stop asking, “Why are they leaving?” and start asking, “How can we include them?” Brain share does not rely on permanent return. It values contribution over location.

In fact, a Bangladeshi researcher in London, a tech leader in Toronto, or a teacher in Dubai can all actively shape Bangladesh’s future without moving back full-time. The digital age makes this easier than ever.

By embracing brain share, we turn a perceived weakness into a strategic strength. We multiply the impact of every Bangladeshi who has ever gone abroad not by asking them to give up what they’ve built, but by inviting them to share it.

Final Thought: The Future Is Shared

“Brain drain” is a story of loss. “Brain share” is a story of connection, contribution, and collaboration. As Bangladesh builds its future, it must do so with its diaspora, not without them.

Let’s reimagine migration not as an end but as the beginning of a global partnership for national progress. Let’s move from brain drain to brain share and let’s do it together.