In many homes, university campuses, and casual gatherings in Bangladesh, a low-key discussion is taking place. It usually starts with a similar question: “Should I try to move to Canada, or maybe Australia or Europe?” For many young people, the decision is no longer about whether to leave, but about when to leap. This isn’t just an issue of people moving from one place to another; it’s about what people hope to achieve in their lives – and a growing feeling of uncertainty about what the future holds in their own country.
Bangladesh has long celebrated its demographic strength. A large youth population is supposed to be an asset, a driver of growth and innovation. But that promise is beginning to feel fragile. Every year, millions of young people step into the job market with degrees, hopes, and expectations. The frustration is real, and it is spreading. It’s really worrying how common it’s become for people to think about leaving the country. If you talk to students in big cities like Dhaka and Rajshahi, or even smaller towns, you’ll hear the same story: they think going abroad is the best way to have a stable and respectful life. It’s not just about earning more money, it’s about knowing what to expect, being treated fairly, and believing that hard work will pay off.
Migration is nothing new for Bangladesh, it’s been happening for years. Many workers have travelled abroad, sending back money that helps support their families and boosts the country’s economy. This is still an important part of the story. Nowadays, it’s not just workers with limited skills who are leaving, but also some of our brightest students, young professionals, and even doctors and engineers – people who have had significant investments made in them by their families and the country as a whole. It’s really worrying when young people leave their homes and don’t come back. This makes us think about some difficult things.
It’s not easy to find the answers, but they’re not hidden either. Having a job is just one piece of the puzzle. A lot of young people talk about how hard it is to get a fair shot, how they don’t have many chances to be creative, and how the system doesn’t always reward people who deserve it. There’s also a bigger feeling of uncertainty – about the people in charge, about whether things will be stable in the long run, and about whether they’ll be able to live the life they want. Young people are worried about their future, and they’re not sure if they’ll be able to achieve their goals. They’re looking for a sense of security and stability, but it’s hard to find. The system can be unfair, and it’s not always clear how to succeed. Many young people feel like they’re not being given a fair chance, and that’s causing a lot of uncertainty and anxiety.
With social media, education, and global connections, the youth get to see what’s possible in other places. They compare their lives to others, they ask questions, and they start to dream big. But when the difference between what they see and what they experience in their own lives becomes too big, they start to feel let down. This feeling of letdown turns into a choice: to move away. They want to find a place where their aspirations can become a reality, where they can be part of something bigger than what they have at home. This desire for something more can be powerful, and it’s what drives many young people to make a change and seek out new opportunities. When a big part of a generation starts thinking like this, it can have some serious effects. It’s not just about the job market, but also about the kind of society and ideas we’ll have in the future. So, the challenge for Bangladesh is not to stop migration, but to rebuild belief.
That belief depends on a few things. First, opportunities must feel real and accessible. Education needs to connect more clearly with the job market, especially in emerging sectors. Second, fairness matters. Systems that reward merit and effort can restore confidence in staying. Third, there needs to be space for creativity, entrepreneurship, and new ideas – so that ambition does not feel limited by geography. It’s really important for young people to feel like they have a say in what happens in their country. They need to know that their thoughts and opinions count, not just when it comes to their jobs, but as people who live there and care about its future.
This is a great chance for Bangladesh to turn things around. Some countries have successfully changed ‘brain drain’ into ‘brain gain’ by staying in touch with their citizens who move abroad. They have created ways for these people to come back, invest, or contribute to their home country from afar. Bangladesh can achieve this too, but it needs to keep a strong relationship with those who leave the country.
The reality is that young people in Bangladesh are still holding on to hope for their country. They are reacting to the things they see happening around them and the experiences they have. The choices they make show that they are driven by a mix of big dreams and deep worries. When you really listen to what they’re saying, it’s simple: they want to be able to work hard and know it’ll pay off, to be treated with fairness and respect, and to have the chance to build a life that’s meaningful and dignified. They’re not asking for much, just a fair shot at a better life. That is not an unreasonable demand. The question is whether we can create a Bangladesh where choosing to stay feels just as hopeful as choosing to leave.
The writer is a Protection Specialist and CEO at Favor Consultancy. E-mail: [email protected]
