By
Quazi M. Ahmed
Founder & President, BOND
In a world where knowledge drives development, Bangladesh faces a silent yet significant challenge a growing knowledge gap. While more students graduate each year, many lack the skills, insights, and global perspectives necessary to thrive in the modern economy. This disconnect between education and employability is slowing down the country’s human capital development. However, an inspiring solution lies within our global community the Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs).
Spread across the world, NRBs hold vast expertise in technology, health, finance, academia, and innovation. Many are eager to give back to Bangladesh. What they need is a bridge and that’s where BOND steps in.
Understanding the Knowledge Crisis
The knowledge crisis in Bangladesh is not simply about lack of information or low literacy rates. It’s a deeper issue rooted in outdated systems, limited access to global developments, and insufficient collaboration between education and industry.
Key challenges include:
- Mismatched curricula that don’t reflect current global or local job markets.
- Lack of exposure to new tools, technologies, and methods.
- Shortages of expert educators and mentors in emerging sectors.
As a result, students may graduate with degrees but often without the skills that modern employers demand. This limits not just individual growth, but also national progress.
NRBs: A Global Brain Trust
Across continents, Bangladeshis are contributing to some of the world’s most competitive sectors. These individuals have not only gained technical mastery but also developed critical thinking, leadership skills, and international experience. Most importantly, they carry a strong sense of identity and a desire to make a difference back home.
What makes NRBs uniquely positioned to support Bangladesh:
- They understand both global standards and local realities.
- They can share practical, up-to-date knowledge from their fields.
- They are often willing to teach, mentor, and collaborate if given the platform.
BOND: Bridging Global Minds with Local Needs
BOND (Bridging Organization with NRBs for Development) is designed to connect this global expertise with the people who need it most in Bangladesh. Through structured programs and partnerships, BOND is creating a pipeline of knowledge sharing between NRBs and local learners, educators, and institutions.
Our initiatives include:
- Virtual masterclasses and workshops led by NRBs on topics such as AI, public health, business strategy, and innovation.
- Mentorship programs where NRBs guide students, young professionals, and entrepreneurs.
- Collaborations with universities and NGOs to strengthen curriculum and training programs using global best practices.
One recent success involved an NRB-led webinar series on digital skills that reached over 500 students in rural Bangladesh. Another example is a retired professor from the U.S. helping a vocational institute in Mymensingh redesign its technical curriculum.
These stories show the value of connecting NRBs not just with institutions, but with individuals eager to learn and grow.
A Call to Action
Bangladesh stands to benefit immensely if we can systematically tap into the wisdom and goodwill of our diaspora. But for that, all stakeholders must come together.
- To NRBs: Your knowledge is more powerful than you think. A few hours a month could change the course of a student’s future.
- To local institutions: Be open to learning from global peers. Embrace collaboration.
- To policymakers: Support frameworks that make it easier for NRBs to contribute knowledge, not just remittances.
From Brain Drain to Brain Gain
It’s time to rethink the old narrative of “brain drain.” With the right approach, the Bangladeshi diaspora can become a force for “brain gain” enriching the country’s talent pool, boosting innovation, and accelerating growth.
At BOND, we believe in a Bangladesh where knowledge knows no borders where learning is powered not just by textbooks, but by the real-world experience of our global community.
Let’s bridge the gap together. Because when NRBs teach, Bangladesh grows.