By
Quazi M. Ahmed
Founder & President, BOND
In today’s fast-evolving world, the disconnect between academic knowledge and industry demands remains a significant challenge especially in developing countries like Bangladesh. Graduates often leave universities with outdated skills or limited real-world exposure, while industries struggle to find job-ready talent. This is where the global Bangladeshi diaspora Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) can play a transformative role.
BOND (Bridging Organization with NRBs for Development) aims to close this gap by leveraging the insights, experiences, and networks of NRBs worldwide. Their deep understanding of global standards, technologies, and practices makes them ideal agents to align academic curricula with industry needs, create new research pathways, and mentor future professionals.
Why the Industry-Academia Gap Exists
- Outdated Curriculum: Many institutions still follow traditional syllabi that don’t reflect current industry trends.
- Limited Collaboration: There’s a lack of structured dialogue between businesses and educational institutions.
- Insufficient Practical Exposure: Students often lack hands-on experience or internship opportunities tied to real-world problems.
The Value of NRB Insights
NRBs working in leading organizations around the globe have access to cutting-edge research, advanced technologies, and best practices in various industries. Their experience can be a goldmine for Bangladeshi academia, especially in fields like:
- Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Robotics
- Green Energy and Sustainable Development
- Global Finance and Startup Ecosystems
- Healthcare Innovation and Biotechnology
- Communication, Media, and Digital Transformation
Practical Ways NRBs Can Bridge the Gap
- Curriculum Enrichment
NRBs can serve on academic advisory boards, review curricula, and suggest modules that reflect global demands and future skills. - Guest Lectures & Masterclasses
Online or in-person, NRBs can deliver cutting-edge talks and training sessions that expose students to global case studies and tools.
- Research Collaboration
NRBs in academia or R&D roles can initiate joint research projects, publications, and innovation challenges with local universities.
- Mentorship & Internship Opportunities
By mentoring students and opening internship pathways in international organizations or remote teams, NRBs can provide much-needed exposure.
- Funding & Innovation Support
Through diaspora-led initiatives, NRBs can help fund research labs, innovation hubs, or industry-academia consortiums in Bangladesh.
Moving from Brain Drain to Brain Gain
For decades, Bangladesh has witnessed a brain drain its brightest minds leaving for better opportunities abroad. But with structured engagement through BOND, these same individuals can become catalysts for national development. Their insight can elevate educational institutions, sharpen workforce readiness, and make Bangladesh more competitive in the global market.
Final Thoughts
Bridging the industry-academia gap is not just a matter of updating textbooks it requires a visionary, collaborative approach. NRBs hold the keys to unlocking this transformation. Through BOND, their global expertise can be channelled into purposeful action, paving the way for a more skilled, innovative, and future-ready Bangladesh.