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Cover Story
 Return
of the
 Natives
RUPAL MISTRY
Many Bangladeshis see migration as a
route to escape all the difficulties that we face in our daily
lives. When hearing of people that return we often wonder why
they want to come back. Sometimes we tell ourselves that it
must be because they failed overseas and so came back empty
handed. Contrary to that notion, some migrants have succeeded
overseas but have chosen to come back because they want to
contribute to their country with which there remains an innate
bond that only grows over time.
 On 7-8 March, a workshop on the Sustainable Return
of Professional and Skilled Migrants organised by the Refugee
and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) of Dhaka
University explored the ties that bind these emigrant souls to
their native land. Under the auspices of the University of
Sussex based Development Research Centre (DRC) on Migration,
Globalisation and Poverty, it explained the reasons behind
these come-backs and the problems people face to start their
lives afresh on their native land.
Among the number of returnees, people who
return home permanently dominate the chart. With their
acquired knowledge, skills or capital they may begin a new
career in their home country, while others may retire. Their
prospects to re-migrate are no higher than a general desire to
migrate.
 The second group may return for a reasonable length
of time but retain their domicile and contacts in the country
of immigration. The length of time they may spend in the home
country may vary. During their stay they may contribute their
knowledge and skills gained in the destination country, while
acquiring new knowledge and experience in their home country.
Transitional migrants, another group of
returnees, according to the findings of RMMRU, have their
stakes both in the home country and country of destination.
They may be involved in economic activities that require them
to share their time and efforts between two
countries.
 The recurrent reason mentioned for coming back was
the desire to contribute positively to the country that made
them who they are today. No matter how much they achieved
abroad nothing gave them greater satisfaction than achieving
it at home. As Mushtaque Habib, an engineer trained in the
University of California, Berkeley noted, the planning and
construction of an University campus in Dhaka far exceeded the
satisfaction of executing a sixty-storey building project in
California.
Another issue raised was that of greater
career opportunities at home: the idea of being "a big fish in
a small pond". With the qualifications and experience gained
abroad they were able to realise their full potential which
otherwise may not have been possible.
Young returnees emphasised on career
limitations in the country of immigration. In her
presentation, Dr. Robyn Iredale commented that returnees from
Australia felt that due to inherent prejudices they would
always be overlooked in favour of 'native' Australians.
Employers felt that those who did not speak with a particular
accent did not 'fit in the team'. There is also an
ever-growing feeling that ever since the events of 9/11,
migrants from a certain background face discrimination both in
job placement and promotion.
 Weighing the Options
Dr. Amer Wahed, a young
successful physician specialising in haematology and
pathology, has enough reasons to stay back in the U.S.
where the opportunities are immense. With brilliant
results and a good career at home Wahed had even
better prospects abroad. He trained at the Houston
Medical Center in Texas, U.S.A., the largest medical
centre in the world, becoming Chief Resident,
Department of Pathology, University of Texas, Houston
and later a resident and then a Fellow in related
departments of the same institution. Yet in spite of a
lucrative and prestigious career abroad, Wahed has
chosen to come back to Bangladesh, at least for a few
years, so that he can use his expertise in the medical
field.
Amer and his wife, an economist, and their
three sons have been here since the last six months.
Since then Amer has been working at two places. As a
Consultant Haematologist at Popular Diagnostics, he is
responsible for helping to improve the quality of
pathology there. He is also working as Consultant
Pathologist at Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital and Research
Institute where his function is to set up a small
diagnostic lab and blood bank.
It was a joint
decision to continue with higher education that Amer
and his wife Tanya went to Houston. With a J-1 visa
there were two options for Amer. Once his training was
complete Wahed could go back to his home country or
serve in a designated 'undeserved' area for three
years. Moreover, the couple's eldest son was a US
citizen, which raised the incentive to stay back.
"But we did not want to live in an underserved
area for three years", says Amer, "We wanted our sons
to become familiar with Bangladesh, its people and
culture. We especially wanted them to bond with all
their grandparents and my grandmother"
Thus Amer
and his family came back to Bangladesh.
Amer still
has a job offer from the place he trained in the US
which will hold the position for him for two years.
His designation would be Assistant Professor and
Assistant Program Director, a prestigious position,
especially for a foreigner. Tanya has completed her
MPh from the same US university and has currently
taken two years leave before she continues with her
PhD programme. Her field is in Health policy and
management. "We do plan to go back", says Amer
frankly. "My wife needs to finish her studies. After
she finishes we can then decide where we wish to
reside, based on our two years experience here and our
experience in the US'.
For Amer there are ample
opportunities to find work in Bangladesh. There are
few individuals in the country with exposure to
Pathology in the western world. Pathology is one of
the most technology dependant branches of Medicine.
And Modern medicine is heavily dependent on Pathology.
Naturally Bangladesh has a lot of catching up to do in
this area. But the difficulty, explains Amer is
finding people who understand such complexities.
"I
am using a fraction of what I have learnt in
Bangladesh" says Amer. "This is frustrating as I could
contribute more. At the same time, my skills are going
to get rusty ( as I am not using them).
Amer says
that there are three main issues related to people who
want to come back:
"First of all what will they do
( in terms of jobs). The first six to 12 months is
crucial. No one wants to be dependent on parents at an
age when they have their own family. If a job can be
arranged before they arrive in Bangladesh people will
be less hesitant to at least come and see if it is
worth coming back. Opening of hospitals like Apollo,
Square, Continental is a positive thing for physicians
who are thinking about coming back."
Interestingly
Amer thinks that the wives of men who go abroad play
an important role in the decision to come back or not.
"Wives have tremendous freedom when they are abroad.
This freedom is drastically curbed when they come
back. This is a serious issue for people wanting to
come back".
More important is the issue of
education of the children. "Bangladesh is notorious
for school children to be smothered by studies, home
work and tutors. Children from abroad are not used to
this dedication to studies. Other things are important
to them eg video games, sports, going to the movies,
amusement parks ". I have to admit though things are
improving in this area".
The volatile political
scenario and lack of security coupled with poor health
facilities are also major disincentives.
There are
very few people adds Amer, who go abroad who vow never
to return to Bangladesh. Most people do feel homesick,
some more often than others. "Many would like to come
and at least try to work here for a period of time.
Family ties, I think is the single most important
reason for people wanting to come
back."
--AM
Amin
|
Career choices, however, are not the only
factor prompting migrants to return home. For some, returning
meant making sacrifices in their career; but those that were
greatly outweighed by the social gains of being with family
and immersed in a familiar culture, a point articulated by
Harvard returnee Prof. Omar Rahman. When a person is overseas,
away from family and friends, over time there emerges a
feeling of obligation and responsibility for loved ones back
home. Traditional South Asian values load migrants with a
feeling that they should be there to look after the family,
particularly aging parents.
In some cases migrants worry about the
identity of their children: do they feel more Bangladeshi or,
say, American? The idea of the "ABCD" or "American Born
Confused Deshi" springs to mind. Children growing up overseas
are likely to be culturally detached from their parents. They
may know very little about the culture, religion and may not
even speak the same first language as their parents. This
makes parents ever more anxious to return so that their
children do not grow with some form of hybrid identity.
So with a great many reasons to return,
why are not more highly skilled migrants doing so?
From a career perspective, in some
sectors, the absence of opportunities is a major factor
against return. A moderately successful migrant would not
entertain the idea of returning, if, career-wise, they had to
start from the bottom and move up. As Omar Rahman noted the
establishment of private universities has created a window of
opportunity for the return of academics.
For those in the highly specialised
professions, the absence of an environment that is conducive
to sharing and developing knowledge and information often acts
as a hindrance to returning. Furthermore, undesirable work
practices and technological inefficiencies leave some
professionals frustrated and disillusioned.
On the personal side, the lack of
educational and healthcare facilities make migrants think
twice before returning. The proliferation of international
standard private schools and hospitals is slowly addressing
this problem.
 Making it at Home
There's no formula for success
for people returning from abroad, says Aneela Haque, CEO
of Andes Limited. "It depends on how you see life. You
have to focus on whatever you're doing with strategy and
planning."
In 1988, Aneela went to the USA to study
fine arts at Stephens College, Missouri. She interned as
a graphic designer at the public relations office of the
university and went on an exchange programme to the
Parsons School of Design in Paris-Italy in 1990. In
1991, she came back to Bangladesh, and, after
freelancing for four years with organisations like BRAC,
UNICEF Bangladesh, Care and the Ford Foundation, she
formed her own advertising and fashion company in
1995.
"I came back for my parents," says Aneela. "At
the end of the day, they're the only incentive I have to
look forward to."
When she decided to stay back
here, however, she planned her life accordingly and
immersed herself in various activities including
singing, karate, cooking, interior design, piano,
reading and travelling. "Travelling has helped me to
appreciate my own culture and values," says Aneela, "and
I've learnt that, No matter where you are in the world,
it's you, the person, who makes the difference.".
"I
had to struggle a lot," says Aneela. "This is not a
country for single women. Chauvinism quietly prevails.
Smart women are a threat to most people -- both men and
women -- who suffer from identity crisis and a power
struggle."
At 22, Aneela began her business with her
own savings and her parents' patient advice and
inspiration. "I hardly came across any like-minded
people at the time," she recalls.
Affiliated with
Rediffusion Dentsu Young and Rubicam, USA, Aneela now
has two branches of her fashion brand Aneela Haque's
Andes in Gulshan and Dhanmondi and employs 45 people.
Fourteen years of work have been very rewarding, she
says, and has brought her into contact with some good
friends and some great minds worldwide.
"If you have
the drive and patience," believes Aneela, "you can make
it anywhere in the world. And if Bangladeshis in general
change their attitudes towards the younger generation by
being more positive and not interfering, change will
happen overnight."
"Young men and women are often
pressurised into getting married even before they've
explored life. They feel intimidated to come back home
where they feel they will not be able to live as freely
as they would like. I faced the same problem, but was
bold enough to fight it and now, 14 years down the road,
I'm still going strong," says Aneela.
"It would be
great seeing more qualified women coming back home and
working here with a positive attitude, which would be
possible if only they felt more secure here," says
Aneela.
"I won't discourage people who live abroad.
Ultimately what matters is whether you're happy and you
feel successful. But if I can be a good role model to
anyone, or if I can touch the lives of the people I work
with, or if my friends or young people benefit in any
way through me, I will feel the most successful," says
Aneela.
-- Kajalie Shehreen
Islam |
A greater concern is that of political
stability and personal security. Hartals and associated
reports of violence dampen the desire to return. Corruption
and bureaucratic practices are further obstacles.
The transfer of skills and knowledge from
those returning is immeasurable; returnees have paved the way
for the introduction of international standards and practices.
The workshop took the opportunity to highlight those
Bangladeshi returnees who have built upon their success
overseas and made a positive and enduring contribution at
home.
The introduction of the Cat's Eye brand
in the early 1980s changed notions of consumerism in
Bangladesh, with customers being encouraged to browse while
having a salesperson advise them on what to buy. Quality men's
wear that had traditionally been earmarked for the export
market became available in Dhaka, while in the hospitality
field, the culinary efforts of Tommy Miah (Heritage) and
Bazlur Rahman (Little Italy and Bella Italia) are now enjoyed
by the food enthusiasts of Dhaka. The work of people like Bibi
Russell, who has ploughed her resources, talent and
international reputation into producing high quality
merchandise made by Bangladeshi weavers, has benefited
countless people.
A Conscious Decision
 For Parisha Zarmmen, a graduate
from York University, Canada, the issue of coming back
home was always settled. "I went abroad to study and
after completing my studies I just came back," she
says. "I did like Toronto very much and thoroughly
enjoyed my stay there, but that's it. Settling there
didn't occur to me in a big way," she explains. She
could have applied for immigration as did some of her
friends and would almost certainly get it, but she did
not seriously consider it. "I know I have got the
qualification and I can apply from Bangladesh whenever
I want," she says. Clearly, the idea of settling there
and getting permanent residency did not figure very
prominently in her future plans. After doing her
Bachelors in Economics Parisha returned home.
It
has been a little over six months since she has been
back home and she is quite satisfied with the way
things are going. For the last four months she has
been working as a commercial executive in a joint
project of BTTB and Orascom, which is being conducted
by Siemens Telecommunications. "I did have some
problems adjusting here initially, but I have managed
to sort them out. The work environment is okay, the
pay is reasonable and I don't have many complaints to
make," is how she describes her 4-month-long work
experience. No doubt she could have managed a decent
job in Canada too and the pay would have been much
higher than what she is receiving now.
She
believes opportunities to work in Bangladesh are there
for those who want to come back. "There are quite a
good number of multinational companies, reputed banks,
UN organisations, even mobile phone companies where
many foreign trained Bangladeshis are working," she
opines. She also thinks that the opportunities are
increasing. But while the opportunity to work is an
important consideration there are other issues that
influence one's plans to settle abroad or coming back
home. As Parisha points out. "Over there you have your
freedom and you also don't have to worry all the time
about security. Often I used to return home at 2 in
the morning walking all alone without feeling scared
for a moment, which is unthinkable here," she says.
But then there is one huge plus point about coming
back, she remarks, "In the end your country is your
country. And nothing is comparable to living with
one's parents."
--Shamim
Ahsan |
As Dr. Tasneem Siddiqui of Dhaka
University pointed out, the creation of backward linkages in
the form of catering institutions and affiliated courses have
opened up opportunities for Bangladeshis to excel in the
international arena. Further linkages have been established in
the Arts too; the work of artistes such as Habib have helped
to link second generation British Bangladeshis with Bangla
culture, and in the process made Bangladeshi music accessible
to the global audience and acceptable to young Bangladeshis.
The experiences and work of filmmaker Tareque Masud has
elevated the image of Bangladesh abroad. This sort of work
creates the opportunity to establish and forge links with
Bangladeshi networks and communities overseas.
With the development potential that lies
in return, what can be done in Bangladesh to encourage people
to return?
The decision to leave one's job and
uproot the family can be particularly arduous. However, if
returnees were able to share their experiences with those
considering the option of return, it may help to alleviate
fears. Setting up a web-based network illustrating the
experiences of those who have successfully returned will
certainly contribute to the decision-making process, and show
migrants that it is possible to return and successfully
integrate.
Research Prospects Can Attract
More Teachers
 Lecturer at the English
Department, North South University, twenty
seven-year-old Sabahat is just one of many young
people who has returned to Bangladesh, after
completing her studies in a foreign country. At the
age of 20, she left Bangladesh for higher studies to
the USA, where she lived for more than 6 years. After
getting a dual degree in English Literature and
Psychology from Angelo St. University, and a Master's
degree in English from Baylor University, Sabahat was
sure about getting a good job in the US. "I had worked
on campus while I was studying there, and I knew that
I would probably have a better prospect working in the
USA," remarks Sabahat. "However, somewhere at the back
of mind, I knew that I would probably come back to
Bangladesh one day or the other." According to
Sabahat, the job opportunities here in Dhaka are worth
the stay. "I enjoy teaching here. However, teachers
here don't get to be creative or work on something of
their own in Bangladesh," Sabahat exclaims. "Back
where I was studying, almost all the professors were
working on something or the other or doing research
along with teaching. In Bangladesh, however, teaching
would just define coming to class and lecturing,
nothing more than that. I hope this really changes and
prospects for research increases in the
country."
Sabahat lives with her husband and
in-laws. "Even today, entertainment in Bangladesh is
limited to eating outside with a group of friends,"
she says. "If my husband and I were to live by
ourselves, I don't think we would have been able to
keep up with the growing expenses in Dhaka. Everything
is so expensive here!"
--Elita
Karim |
For those returning with the intention of
setting up their own enterprise, the creation of a business
network of returnees offering practical suggestions and advice
on how to manoeuvre through the bureaucratic obstacles will
provide invaluable assistance and make the process less
daunting.
From the perspective of the government
tax breaks and savings incentives as well as business start-up
programmes will certainly encourage return. The celebration of
achievements of emigrant Bangladeshis through awards and
national days will make the Bangladeshi overseas feel that
their country recognises their work.
The potential for a country like
Bangladesh, if it can attract back its skilled and
professional emigrants, cannot be understated. The Bangladesh
government and others concerned should mobilise necessary
efforts and resources to actively bring its 'promising sons
and daughters' back.
Rupal Mistry is an intern at the
Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit from the
UK.
Copyright (R) thedailystar.net 2005
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