Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon called for a “reverse brain drain” to bring talented Bangladeshis back from abroad and engage them in national development. Speaking virtually as chief guest at Islamic University’s 2025-2026 academic year orientation programme on Saturday at 11:30am, he said talent needs no visa and gifted people can travel anywhere in the world.

Milon said Bangladesh had experienced brain drain in the past, with talented students going overseas and not returning. He said the current situation requires efforts to bring back those who have left the country, build the nation and develop its human resources. He added that Bangladesh does not lack human resources.

The minister said populations are declining in more than 30 developed countries because death rates have risen above birth rates, while Bangladesh’s population is growing. He said the country could one day lead the world if this population is transformed into skilled human resources and involved in socioeconomic development. He also said the government is giving education the highest priority, noted an increased allocation this year, and expressed hope that Islamic University would become a centre of excellence and secure a place in the QS rankings.