The Power of English: A Pathway to Bangladesh’s Future
In 1986, as fresh MBBS graduates and interns from Chittagong Medical College, my classmates and I faced an unprecedented challenge. Unlike in previous years, we did not automatically receive government job postings. Thus, we became the first batch of unemployed doctors in Bangladesh. In true Bangladeshi fashion, my classmates took to the streets in protest, demanding the government fulfill its promise of job placements for newly qualified doctors.
While my peers marched for their futures, I chose a different path. I applied for and was awarded the prestigious Rotary Foundation Graduate Scholarship for International Understanding. This scholarship allowed me to pursue graduate studies in the United States, at a medical school in Texas. A year later, I received a letter from my father, containing my government job order from the Directorate of Health and Population Control of Bangladesh. I had been assigned to a rural health complex in Cumilla. By then, one year later, it was clear that my classmates had successfully secured their government positions as doctors.
However, by that time, I was deep into my own struggle to establish a medical career in the U.S. So, what set my journey apart? I wasn’t even among the top 20 percent of my class. I hadn’t excelled in the SSC or HSC exams, nor had I attended an English-medium school. My parents were schoolteachers, and with eight siblings, we shared the modest resources of a humble upbringing. Yet, one thing distinguished my path: my proficiency in the English language—specifically, my deep fascination with American English. And the most remarkable part? I learned it for free.
The value of the English language has never been greater for the youth of Bangladesh—or the world. Studies show that 90 to 98 percent of scientific literature is published in English. To be disconnected from the English language is to be shut off from a vast reservoir of global knowledge. This was echoed by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, now the Chief Advisor of the nation, who rightly emphasized the importance of language education for the youth of Bangladesh.
In recent decades, the global economy has transformed from a labor-driven model to one increasingly based on knowledge. To harness this transformation, Bangladesh must focus on English proficiency to access the knowledge economy. The aspirations of the country’s dynamic Gen Z can only be realized if the nation transitions from a strict labor-based economy to one driven by information and knowledge. In today’s world, English is the indispensable tool for navigating this shift.
Professor Yunus himself is a perfect example of how mastery of the English language can amplify one’s ideas on the global stage. His skillful presentation of his groundbreaking concepts in English has earned him international respect and recognition. His influence extends to the farthest corners of the world, where his message is understood—either directly in English or through translation.
Despite this clear need, Bangladesh faces a significant obstacle: a shortage of qualified English teachers at every educational level, from primary schools to universities. Addressing this shortfall cannot be achieved overnight. So, what can be done?
At the national level, the government and corporations must prioritize English language education. One promising avenue is to invite English-speaking countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, to assist by providing language instructors. The Bangladeshi government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, could benefit immensely from engaging programs like the U.S. Peace Corps to send volunteers dedicated to teaching English.
On a personal level, there are countless informal opportunities to improve English proficiency. Technology has made learning English more accessible than ever before. With widespread access to smartphones and the internet, students can tap into numerous free resources. For instance, I learned American English by listening to the Voice of America’s English broadcasts—at no cost. This method is still available to anyone today.
Additionally, modern educational apps such as Duolingo provide opportunities to learn over 80 languages, including English, entirely for free. I personally use this app to learn Spanish, and I can attest to its effectiveness.
In today’s global economy, knowledge, communication, and cooperation are key drivers of success. English is the primary medium for engaging with the world’s vast knowledge base, and its importance in the information economy cannot be overstated. For Bangladesh to unlock its full potential, especially with Gen Z leading the way, the country must embrace and promote English language education. The sooner this becomes a national priority, the sooner Bangladesh will be able to evolve from a labor economy into a thriving knowledge-based society.
Dr. Nizam M. Meah, MD
