The time has come for expatriate youth to return home

When various countries around the world reached the pinnacle of progress, it was largely due to the relentless efforts and innovative spirit of their talented youth. Today, we see how the younger generation continues to build their nations. A similar new beginning can take place in our country as well; expatriate youth are returning home with the determination to rebuild the nation. The time has come for expatriate youth to return to their home country.

Lessons from history

We have shining examples like South Korea. Rising from the rubble of the 1950s, South Korea is now a developed nation, thanks to the contributions of its talented youth. These young Koreans, after completing their education abroad, returned home to open new horizons in technology, education, and business. Their innovative and industrious mindset quickly propelled South Korea's economy towards rapid growth.

Another example is China. Thousands of Chinese scientists and technologists who pursued higher education in Western countries returned home to establish China as the "world's factory." The foundation of China's current progress lies in the efforts of these young individuals who returned with modern technology and expertise.

The Role of Youth in National Development

Youth are the future of a nation. They are creative, energetic, and driven by new ideas. To harness the potential of the youth for national development, it is crucial to involve them extensively in education, technology, and entrepreneurship. For instance, Finland has witnessed a revolution in education and information technology through the initiatives of young entrepreneurs.

In India, the contributions of young people in the IT sector have made the country one of the global powerhouses in information technology. Their software engineers work in top companies across the world, and many have returned to establish startups at the local level.

In Japan, young engineers have made remarkable advancements in the industrial sector. Through the use of advanced technology, they have increased the global demand for Japanese products. Similarly, if expatriate youth return to Bangladesh and contribute across various sectors, the country’s development will accelerate significantly.

Bangladesh’s Youth on the International Stage

Bangladeshi youth are now making outstanding achievements on the international stage through their intelligence, skills, and innovative thinking. Their success is not just a source of pride for Bangladesh but also serves as an example for the entire world. Young Bangladeshis hold leadership positions in globally renowned companies like Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and Amazon, where they contribute to the success of these institutions through innovation, technological advancement, and creative thinking.

A Politically Pressure-Free Work Environment

One of the key reasons behind the success of Bangladeshi youth on the international stage is the politically pressure-free and supportive work environment for innovative thinking. In Western countries, particularly, work environments encourage employees to think freely and engage in innovative work. Such an environment plays a crucial role in nurturing creativity, innovation, and leadership qualities among the youth.

Political Cohesion and National Development

Political cohesion is the cornerstone of a nation’s development. Singapore is an excellent example, where political stability and government support have transformed the country into a developed nation. Under the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore became an economic model that is still followed by many countries today.

South Korea also stands as a bright example of political cohesion. When the government and the people work together, the country achieves rapid progress in industry and technology. Bangladesh, too, requires this political cohesion so that expatriate youth can return and utilise their expertise and innovative skills for the country’s development.

Why Would Youth Be Interested in Returning Home?

Talented youth primarily move abroad for education, employment, and an improved quality of life. For instance, young people from Bangladesh or India often migrate to the United States, the United Kingdom, or Canada in search of higher education and a better life. However, due to political influence in jobs and business, the lack of proper opportunities in their home countries often discourages them from returning. To bring expatriate youth back home, the government must ensure these opportunities are in place.

China serves as an example, where the government provided special incentives to students who studied abroad, encouraging them to return and apply their knowledge at home. If similar incentives and support are provided in Bangladesh, expatriate youth will be more inclined to return and contribute to the nation’s development. Their innovative thinking, global experience, and skills can open up new horizons in various sectors of the country.

A New Dawn for Bangladesh: The March of Youth Leadership

Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladesh’s political landscape, where a government supportive of talented individuals has taken the helm to rebuild the nation. This interim government is led by internationally renowned and respected Nobel laureate, Professor Muhammad Yunus. His assumption of leadership is not only significant nationally but is also a momentous event internationally. The new government consists of 17 advisors, all of whom are honest and talented in their respective fields.

New Leadership and the Participation of Youth

One of the most remarkable aspects of this new government is the inclusion of young people. For the first time in the history of independent Bangladesh, two representatives from the youth and student community have been directly involved in the government’s administration. They are Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan, coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement. Their inclusion has sparked new hope among the youth and inspired the new generation to participate directly in the nation’s development.

Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud are not just representing the youth; they are setting an example for the new generation, demonstrating that with the right perspective, education, and leadership qualities, young people can contribute significantly at the highest levels of government. Their inclusion proves that youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are also capable of leading today.

What the Government Can Do for Expatriate Youth?

First, the government could formulate a special reintegration plan to ensure investment opportunities, startup initiatives, and employment prospects for expatriate youth. For example, offering accessible loans, tax relief, and business support could help returning youth to start entrepreneurial activities in the country.

Second, the government could establish a central information and coordination agency that places expatriate youth in the appropriate job sectors based on their skills and experience. This agency could provide training, networking, and mentorship, which would help open new career avenues for these young professionals.

Third, the government could facilitate connections between expatriate youth and public, private, and international organisations, ensuring their involvement in employment and innovative initiatives. Through governmental guidance, expatriate youth could be integrated into the overall development plan of the country.

Conclusion

The new government has marked the beginning of a new chapter for Bangladesh, one that is considered a significant milestone for the youth in shaping the country’s future. In this changing landscape, young people are realising the importance of their contributions to national development. They understand that their innovative thinking and capabilities can be harnessed for the nation’s benefit, where the voice of the youth will be the driving force behind the country’s progress.

The contributions of expatriate youth could be crucial for the development and progress of Bangladesh. The skills, knowledge, and experience they have gained abroad can be invaluable assets for the country. However, to harness these assets for national development, the government needs to provide clear guidance and support.

The writer is the Executive Director, kuala lumpur international film academy awards (KLIFAA).