Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has lauded the contribution of non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs), saying their remittances saved the country’s economy from collapse in the aftermath of the July uprising, reports BSS.
“When our economy had touched rock bottom, your remittances kept it alive. The strength behind today’s economy is your hard-earned money sent from abroad,” he said while addressing at the event titled “NRB Connect Day: Empowering Global Bangladeshis.’’
To bring expatriate Bangladeshis together from various sectors, the programme was held at the New York Marriott Marquis in Manhattan on Tuesday.
Chief Adviser expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s future, pointing to the nation’s youthful workforce. He called on foreign companies to relocate factories to Bangladesh, terming it an emerging production hub with vast human resource potential.
He also urged NRBs to invest in Bangladesh with confidence, assuring them that their right to vote in the next general elections would be ensured. “You are now part and parcel of Bangladesh. Bring your investments and ideas home,” he added.
Underscoring the importance of regional cooperation, Yunus noted that Nepal, Bhutan, and India’s northeastern states remain landlocked. “If we open our seas to them, all will benefit. Once facilities are in place, Bangladesh will naturally become the gateway,” he said.
Chief Adviser added that Cox’s Bazar–Matarbari is ready for a deep seaport and stressed the need to explore gas reserves in the Bay of Bengal.
Earlier, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Ashik Chowdhury presented an economic overview, stating that inflation and foreign reserves had stabilised, while foreign direct investment doubled in the past year.
He credited NRBs with playing a key role in reviving the economy post–July uprising.
Two panel discussions also featured at the event. One, moderated by Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, focused on harnessing the diaspora as a national asset.
Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul praised the Bangalee diaspora’s role during the July–August movement. Another session, moderated by National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, highlighted diaspora perspectives.
BNP leader Humayun Kabir, Jamaat leader Mohammad Nakibur Rahman, and NCP senior joint member secretary Dr Tasnim Jara also addressed the gathering. Tasnim Jara emphasised the importance of women and youth in shaping a new Bangladesh.
“When everyone works together, history changes. Together, we will change history,” she said.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, and NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossen were also present.
The event featured a plenary session, the launch of the “Shubheccha App,” and several diaspora engagement initiatives. The gathering provided NRBs with a platform to explore opportunities in Bangladesh, access citizen services, and voice ideas directly to policymakers.
