By
Quazi M. Ahmed
Founder & President, BOND
Education is the foundation of national progress, but in Bangladesh, challenges remain in ensuring not just access to education but quality. While infrastructure and enrollment have improved, the learning outcomes still lag behind. Here, Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) can play a pivotal role.
NRBs, scattered across the globe, are embedded in some of the world’s best education systems, industries, and research hubs. With their international experience and enduring connection to Bangladesh, they are uniquely positioned to support meaningful improvements in the country’s education landscape.
Bridging Global Knowledge and Local Classrooms
One of the most powerful ways NRBs can contribute is by sharing their knowledge. Through virtual lectures, mentoring programs, and expert sessions, they can introduce Bangladeshi students and teachers to modern ideas, skills, and global perspectives. For instance, an NRB working in data science can guide university students in emerging technologies, while an academic abroad can mentor local educators in research methodology.
This direct interaction enhances the quality of education without requiring large financial investments.
Modernizing Curriculum and Teaching Practices
Many NRBs have studied or taught in institutions where education focuses not just on memorization but on developing analytical and creative skills. They can collaborate with local educators to update outdated syllabi and help incorporate essential 21st-century competencies like digital literacy, critical thinking, and communication.
Even advising on better classroom strategies, student engagement methods, or formative assessments can make a big difference in outcomes.
Encouraging Research and Academic Collaboration
Research in Bangladesh is often underfunded and undervalued. NRBs working in global academia or R&D fields can support local researchers by reviewing their work, co-authoring papers, and facilitating access to journals, labs, and research grants. Joint research projects between Bangladeshi and international universities led or supported by NRBs can spark a new culture of innovation.
Training the Teachers
Teachers are central to improving education quality, yet many in Bangladesh lack access to ongoing professional development. NRBs can design and deliver online training workshops or short-term in-person courses to update teachers on student-centric pedagogy, blended learning, and classroom technology.
These initiatives even if small in scale can have ripple effects across hundreds of classrooms.
Creating Scholarships and Global Exposure
Another powerful contribution lies in enabling access. NRBs can initiate scholarship funds for underprivileged or high-achieving students. They can also help teachers apply for fellowships, training, or short courses abroad. These experiences often reshape individuals who return with broader perspectives and stronger teaching skills.
Supporting Local Learning Centers
Some NRBs may choose to give back to their hometowns by supporting schools or community learning spaces. This could mean building libraries, providing learning materials, or encouraging spoken English and IT clubs. These community-based initiatives improve quality and access in under-resourced areas.
BOND: A Bridge for Action
Despite their willingness, many NRBs lack a clear channel to contribute meaningfully. That’s where BOND comes in connecting NRBs to relevant institutions, designing structured programs for engagement, and offering a platform for impactful collaboration.
From virtual teaching to curriculum consulting, from mentoring to research support BOND ensures that every effort is aligned with national needs and creates real value.
A Smarter Future Begins Now
Education reform doesn’t happen overnight. But it starts with individuals who care who are willing to share, teach, support, and guide. With the involvement of NRBs, Bangladesh can tap into a global pool of talent, experience, and vision. It’s time to come together and uplift the next generation not just with resources, but with ideas, innovation, and inspiration.