Unravelling the minds of Millennials, Generation Z or Gen Z and Generation Alpha is no easy task. But some streaks common in one generation differentiate it from the other two. The Millennials had their time when life was relatively quieter but now it is the Gen Z which rules the roost. This generation is more vocal compared to the preceding one and is bold enough to confront the authorities. The Generation Alpha is yet to take over from the Gen Z and how they emerge will be quite interesting to observe. About one thing, though, there is no doubt that the Millennials and the Gen Z are not happy with the way the old guards in power govern. While the former was displeased and yet did not take the initiative to launch organised protests against the authorities, the latter dare call the spade a spade.
In Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and India, the Gen Z has demonstrated its organising power far stronger than any political party. Momentous changes have already been brought about or the process is on the roll. Belying the tag that this generation is self-centred, hooked on computer and smartphone screens and reluctant to take responsibility, this generation is responding to the call of duty. Unlike political parties, the members of this generation are focused to the social ills and discriminations. Sure enough, they have changed the social perception of well-being of the common people, particularly those at the lowest tier of society. But can they complete the process? That is the million-dollar question.
The mainstream of the Gen Z in this region appears to have lost the momentum after their initial success. To achieve the ultimate objective, they must not get involved with the traditional system of politics. If they compromise on radical socio-economic reform, the movement falter while disappointing the deprived segments of society. Sure enough, a section of their own generation which is hardly educated and politically conscious joined the movement in the hope of changing their lot. That hope is now fading in the distant horizon in one or two countries in South Asia. The split in their organisation over some contentious issues shows that things are going off track.
In a situation like this, the rift has already weakened their organisations and more importantly their moral standing. Many feel they have been let down. It is not only them but the well-meaning citizens are disappointed. In the absence of any socio-economic programme, the not-so-educated-and-skilled among them will revert to the screen or other self-annihilating addictions. But the highly educated and talented among them will look for better options. Irrespective of generations, this cream crop of society will look for avenues to leave this country for higher studies and settle abroad.
In fact, the more talented young people, irrespective of the generations they belong to, have tried their luck in Western countries. They consider, there is no future in this country. There is no point wasting their talent in their native countries where they cannot make use of their merit and ambition. When the mediocre rule the roost, they find themselves neglected. This is a hard truth and no government has been interested to create the creative environment for them to stay back or return after completion of studies abroad. Brain drain, as it is called, has continued unabated depriving the service of bright and inventive minds. Foreign countries have made provision for absorbing them in research and invention projects.
Although, US President Donald Trump has been making immigration laws stringent, the geniuses from around the world are unlikely to face any opposition to stay in the United States of America. Other countries in Europe and North America also are not averse to following the same rule. A few of the bright minds like Dr. Muhammed Zafar Iqbal returned home leaving behind high salaried jobs and opportunities for research in USA only to be maligned now. Narrow and partisan politics has implicated him in crimes a man of his stature is unlikely to commit.
Why will Bangladesh-born scientists and other successful diaspora come back? If a nation cannot cultivate geniuses and resourceful minds at home, the loss is no one else's but its own. To develop scientifically and culturally, the nation must respect the sons and daughters of this soil, who excel others in various fields. Economy will follow once that criterion is fulfilled.
