He regretted that many brilliant students and teachers are taking higher degrees from reputed universities abroad, but many of them are not coming back after completing their degrees, which causes irreparable loss to the country.

"I call upon the expatriate meritorious graduates to contribute to the nation with the spirit of patriotism and the sense of obligation to the motherland," he said.

"I also urge all concerned to adopt appropriate measures with a view to stopping brain drain for the sake of the nation," he said at the awards giving ceremony of American Alumni Association at a city hotel.

Iajuddin praised the association members for reaching a consensus on returning home after completing higher degrees from USA despite having enormous opportunities for making professional career there.

He also urged them to undertake mass people oriented activities particularly in the fields of education and healthcare services so that "our people can get ample opportunities in those basic sectors."

Congratulating the award winners, he said those awards would give them more social responsibilities and would also inspire others to make sacrifices for the nation.

"I urge all to come forward with the spirit of patriotism and utmost dedication" to make Bangladesh a happy and prosperous country, he said.