The government has announced a new 'Brain Circulation' strategy designed to engage highly educated Bangladeshis living abroad in the country's education, research, and innovation ecosystem. This initiative, outlined in the National Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 (FY27), aims to transform the concept of 'brain drain' into structured knowledge exchange by connecting non-resident Bangladeshis with domestic institutions.
Key Components of the Strategy
The strategy includes several institutional mechanisms to integrate overseas Bangladeshis with global knowledge, skills, and experience into national academic and research activities. These mechanisms encompass visiting scholar programs, joint research programs, internationally recognized credit transfer systems, student exchange programs, and summer schools.
Visiting Scholar Programs
Under the visiting scholar programs, experts from abroad will be invited to teach and conduct research in domestic institutions. This will provide local students and researchers with access to international academic and professional experience without leaving the country.
Joint Research Programs
Joint research programs will link local researchers and students with international collaborators from the Bangladeshi diaspora. These collaborative initiatives will focus on addressing national development challenges through research.
Credit Transfer Systems and Exchange Programs
The introduction of internationally recognized credit transfer systems and student exchange programs will enhance academic mobility and expose students to global standards. Summer schools will also be organized to provide additional opportunities for international academic exposure.
Government Commitment and Fiscal Allocation
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury emphasized the government's commitment to this initiative in his budget speech. He highlighted the introduction of credit transfer systems, exchange programs, summer schools, visiting scholar initiatives, and joint research programs to enable students to access global academic and professional standards.
Broader Vision and Long-term Framework
The strategy aligns with the broader vision of building a 'Meritocratic Bangladesh,' where merit, integrity, competence, and professional qualifications are prioritized in governance and public service. The government has proposed an increased allocation for the education sector to 2 percent of GDP in FY27, amounting to Tk 136,606 crore, to support these initiatives.
