Leveraging the Bangladeshi diaspora in the USA for youth development through universities

Abstract

This paper is based on a desk-based secondary study aimed at studying the scope of leveraging the knowledge and professional networks of the Bangladeshi diaspora in the USA to help youth development in Bangladesh. Data was collected from the World Bank, UN, government reports, books, and journals related to migration, education, training, and youth development. Descriptive analysis (percentages, frequency tables, bar, pie, and line charts) was used for quantitative data, and content, thematic, and case study analysis was used for qualitative data. The Bangladeshi diaspora population in the US represents a growing reservoir of intellectual capital, professional expertise, and global networks, which can play a transformative role in youth development in Bangladesh. The study also identified that universities have traditionally played a leadership role in education, Research and Development (R&D), development, innovations, and leadership. The study also identified that diaspora might contribute to the national building efforts by leveraging their financial affluence, intellectual capital, professional expertise, and global networks. The paper recommended connecting the diaspora for education, guidance for higher studies abroad and skills training, mentorship programs, and financing the education. The study also identified challenges with policies, limited diaspora data, inadequate host institution absorption capacities, and ineffective leadership, which, if addressed, can really generate a better outcome for a better Bangladesh in the days to come.