Why I am not a migrant

. PHOTO: AFP

Migration has been constant in the history of mankind. But the present state of migration is the creation of states having different privileges for its people. Unsatisfied ones opt for bountiful states. But it is not only wealth or empirical patriotism that decides migration. The mind-set is the most important factor that makes one leave.

During my study period in Europe 30 years back, many of my friends opted to stay back in Europe and North America. But I came back. From the beginning, together with medical services to people, I was deeply involved in community works -- helping the poor, arranging wedding of poor girls, finding jobs for educated youth, etc. Together with others, I organised things in such a way that practically no one in my immediate locality is so poor as to take Zakat money during Ramadan. That did not happen in one year, it took years to accomplish the task.

Once a week I provide free medical service to people of my area. I become overwhelmed when some poor people tell me that they fell sick a week ago, but did not consult any other doctor and have been waiting to see me. My joy knows no bounds when a poor fellow is cured without much investigation, and of course which is beyond his capacity, and he expresses his gratitude by lifting both hands. My joy was endless, when, as a result of my direct appeal to the PMO, some coastal poor people got relief material. These are only a few of the major jobs that I could do because I did not migrate.

In terms of financial gain and luxury amenities I am not that bad in comparison with my migrated friends except for not driving a BMW!

It is not fair that people will not migrate. But to evade social obligation is unexpected from educated skilled migrants. Migration in the Bangladeshi context could not yet show positive effects, because most of these highly skilled migrants are busy amassing fortunes for themselves and in some cases for relatives as well, which is nothing wrong. But if these fellows would do a little bit of community work for the underprivileged fellow men and women of their impoverished motherland, a lot of social change could have occurred in Bangladesh. Of course there are exceptions among migrants. We salute them.

Migration is a matter more of mindset than economic prosperity for highly skilled persons. Our highly skilled migrants in North America, Australia, and other developed countries should look at Indian and Chinese migrants. Many of the marvelous hospitals, schools, and social-uplift establishments of India are the result of migrants' endeavour.

True, there is corruption of government, law and order problems, and massive poverty all over, but still educated people cannot evade social obligation just by migration. This country nurtured me and made me who I am today. I definitely owe a lot to my fellow men. I think in the last 25 years of my community work I am endeavouring to pay that debt. Is not it a fine cause why I am not a migrant?