Ending the Exodus: NCP’s Challenge

No one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark,” wrote Warsan Shire, a British-Somali poet whose work explores themes of migration, displacement and identity. Her words resonate deeply in Bangladesh, where millions see no future within their homeland. Every year, thousands of students leave for better education, while millions of workers endure gruelling conditions abroad, sending back remittances that keep the economy afloat. This exodus is not just about economic survival; it is a damning indictment of a system that has failed its people. The rise of the National Citizen Party (NCP) presents a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s history, a chance to break free from decades of political stagnation and build a nation where people choose to stay, work and thrive. But can the NCP transform rhetoric into reality? Will it be the force that reclaims Bangladesh’s lost potential, or will it fall into the same cycle of inaction that has defined past governments? The answer to these questions will determine the country’s trajectory for generations to come.

One of the biggest drivers of migration is the broken education system, which prioritises rote memorisation over critical thinking and creativity. The brightest minds do not see a future in Bangladesh; they look for ways to leave. Out-dated curricula and a lack of investment in research and innovation have left students ill-prepared for a competitive global economy. Nations that have prioritised education as a national strategy have successfully retained their talent. If the NCP is serious about stopping brain drain, it must demand a radical transformation, overhauling curricula, increasing investment in STEM and vocational training, and creating incentives for graduates to contribute to their homeland. Education should not be a privilege for the elite but a right for all. Without this, Bangladesh will continue to lose its most promising talent to nations that offer better opportunities.

Beyond education, the job market is another major factor pushing people abroad. Despite economic growth, opportunities remain scarce, wages low and working conditions poor. Women face systemic discrimination, and young graduates struggle to find positions that match their skills. Many choose to leave, even at great personal risk. A 2019 International Labour Organization (ILO) report revealed that over 70% of Bangladeshi migrant workers experience exploitation, from wage theft to unsafe working conditions. The NCP must prioritise economic reform by pushing for stronger labour protections, industrial diversification and investment in high-value industries like renewable energy, information technology and manufacturing. Bangladesh cannot rely solely on its garment industry; it must expand its economic base and provide meaningful employment. Many nations that once depended on labour export have successfully transitioned into technological and industrial hubs through strategic policies and investments. If the NCP is to succeed, it must embrace a similar vision.

Migration itself is not inherently negative; it can provide economic mobility and opportunities for individuals. However, when driven by desperation rather than choice, it signals deeper structural failures. Bangladesh has relied too heavily on remittances as a crutch, using them to mask governance failures instead of addressing the root causes of migration. Other countries have successfully negotiated bilateral labour agreements to protect migrant workers, ensuring fair wages and safe conditions abroad. Bangladesh must adopt this approach, using diplomatic leverage to safeguard its citizens while creating conditions at home, which will make migration an option not a necessity. The NCP, with its emphasis on sovereignty and national reform, has an opportunity to reshape Bangladesh’s approach. It must advocate for stronger protections for workers, establish reintegration programmes for returnees and work towards a future where leaving is a choice, not a last resort.

However, migration is not just about economics or policy; it is also about national identity, dignity and belonging. The dream of a better Bangladesh must be stronger than the temptation of foreign shores. The NCP must inspire a cultural and ideological shift, where staying to build the nation is seen as a noble cause rather than an impossible burden. It must foster a society that values progress, rewards innovation and gives its citizens a reason to believe in their own country. Change cannot come from policies alone; it must be rooted in a national consciousness that embraces self-reliance, resilience and a shared vision of prosperity. The NCP’s success will not be measured by speeches or political rallies, but by whether it can rekindle a sense of hope that has long been extinguished in the hearts of so many Bangladeshis.

The rise of the National Citizen Party represents both a challenge and an opportunity. For too long, Bangladesh’s political landscape has been dominated by two major parties that have failed to address the root causes of migration, unemployment and education disparities. The NCP must prove it is not just another political entity but a movement capable of real, tangible change. It must push for policies that prioritise the well-being of the people over political survival. The future of Bangladesh should not be defined by those who leave; it should be shaped by those who stay, who fight and who believe in the country’s potential. If the NCP can rise to the occasion, it may just be the force that finally ends the exodus and reclaims Bangladesh’s future.

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The writer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at IUBAT and pursuing a Masters in Human Rights and Multiculturalism at University of South Eastern Norway