On July 27, 2023, the Centre for Migration Studies (CMS) of the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) at North South University (NSU) hosted a national seminar titled "Student Migration from Bangladesh: Exploring Trends, Challenges, and Insights." Held in Audi 801 room, the seminar was designed to unravel and discuss trends, hurdles, and unique insights on student migration from the viewpoint of selected students from leading private and public universities across Bangladesh.
Prominent figures from both national and international education sectors graced the seminar. Mr. David Knox, Programme Director at the British Council, was the Guest of Honour. Mr. Knox underscored the substantial contribution of international students to the UK economy, revealing that the UK earns 40 billion pounds annually from these students, supporting the global talent market.
Professor Dr. M. Ismail Hossain, Pro Vice-Chancellor of North South University, underscored the positive effects of student migration on Bangladesh's development. He remarked that as the nation grows, more students explore higher education opportunities abroad to bolster their academic and professional advancement.
Dr. Katherine Li, Director of The Office of External Affairs (OEA) at NSU, and Mr. Sohel Iqbal, Education Adviser at the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, spoke. Dr. Li detailed the resources available at NSU to aid students in their overseas education ambitions. Mr. Iqbal urged students to conduct meticulous research before using third-party service providers.
The seminar featured presentations of two working papers on student migration by esteemed CMS members: Associate Professor Dr. Bulbul Siddiqi and Associate Professor Dr. Harisur Rahman from the Department of Political Science and Sociology, NSU. Assistant Professor Dr. Mohammad Jalal Uddin Sikder, the Coordinator of CMS, also shared his views, advocating a shift in perspective from 'Brain Drain' to 'Brain Gain,’ emphasizing the potential benefits of students acquiring global exposure and returning with improved skills and knowledge.
The seminar was concluded by Professor Dr. Abdur Rob Khan, Dean of the School of Humanities & Social Sciences and a committed CMS member, with a heartfelt vote of thanks to the esteemed guests, speakers, and attendees.