Migration is, perhaps, one of humanity's oldest narratives—a tale of movement, adaptation, and survival that has shaped civilizations and defined epochs.
On International Migrants Day, as the world pauses to reflect upon the indelible mark of migration on human history, Bangladesh remains a poignant example—both as a nation of outbound individuals and those displaced.
The United Nations designates International Migrants Day not merely as an occasion for remembrance but as a clarion call to acknowledge the contribution of migrants to global oneness.
Migration is seldom a choice; it is an exigency—propelled by dreams, dashed by desperation, and dictated by circumstances ranging from economic disparity to environmental catastrophes. It represents both hope and heartbreak, progress and peril, opportunity and oppression.
For Bangladesh, migration is not merely a demographic phenomenon but a cultural rhythm, an economic imperative, and a national lifeline.
The nation boasts one of the world’s largest diasporas, with millions of Bangladeshis dispersed across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
Their remittances, exceeding $20 billion annually, serve as the lifeblood of the economy, underpinning the rural livelihoods of millions and contributing to infrastructural development.
Expatriates are unsung heroes, building skyscrapers in Dubai and toiling in Malaysian plantations, while their earnings sustain the aspirations of families back home.
Yet, this exodus is not without its trials.
Migrant workers often endure exploitation, hazardous working conditions, and the absence of basic human rights.
The kafala system in the Gulf nations, for instance, has been a veritable quagmire of servitude, chaining labourers to their employers.
Despite their monumental contributions, these workers frequently face indignity—a stark contradiction to their role as economic saviours.
Conversely, Bangladesh stands as a testament to humanitarian resilience, having provided refuge to over a million Rohingya Muslims fleeing persecution in Myanmar.
Cox’s Bazar, now synonymous with the world’s largest refugee camp, epitomises both the altruism and the agonies of hosting displaced populations.
While the nation’s response has garnered international commendation, the protracted crisis strains its socio-economic fabric, creating challenges in resource allocation, environmental degradation, and local resentment.
Like the Roman god Janus, migration has two faces with deep consequences.
For the migrant, it is an act of courage—a leap into the unknown in search of dignity and better prospects.
While for the homeland, it is a bittersweet transaction—losing its best and brightest to foreign shores while reaping the rewards of their remittances.
And for the host country, it is both an opportunity for cultural enrichment and a crucible for managing socio-political tensions.
In Bangladesh’s context, this paradox becomes even more pronounced.
The youth, burdened by unemployment and political instability, view migration as a panacea, a passport to prosperity.
Yet, this "brain drain" saps the nation of its intellectual capital, hampering long-term growth.
The Rohingya crisis, on the other hand, exemplifies the ethical conundrum of global migration policies, where the moral imperative to offer sanctuary collides with pragmatic concerns of national stability.
It is imperative to envision a world where migration is not coerced by desperation but inspired by opportunity.
For Bangladesh, this means advocating for equitable labour rights on international platforms, fostering economic conditions that dissuade involuntary emigration, and working towards sustainable solutions for refugees within its borders.
