Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has credited Bangladesh’s expatriate community for playing a pivotal role in the country’s recent economic recovery, citing a surge in remittance inflows as the driving force behind the turnaround.
Speaking at a view-exchange meeting with Bangladeshi expatriates in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, Dr. Yunus said, “Within a year, Bangladesh’s economy has returned to a strong state, thanks to the remittances sent by our hardworking expatriates,” reports BSS.
Contrasting the present recovery with the financial chaos left behind by the previous government, Yunus remarked, “During the fallen dictatorship, banks were looted and the financial system had collapsed. But your contributions from abroad have helped restore stability and growth.”
In a significant announcement, the Chief Adviser confirmed that voting rights for expatriates have been ensured, allowing overseas Bangladeshis to participate in the upcoming national elections, slated for February next year.
“The Election Commission is actively working to facilitate this process so that all eligible expatriates can cast their votes,” he said.
During his official visit, Dr. Yunus also held meetings with leading Malaysian business figures, who expressed a strong interest in investing in Bangladesh.
“Malaysian businessmen have assured me of large-scale investments, which could further boost our economic momentum,” he noted.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by undocumented Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia, Muhammad Yunus pledged that the government is working to resolve their legal and documentation issues.
“I urge all Bangladeshis planning to work abroad to ensure they travel with proper and valid documentation,” he advised.
The event was also addressed by Law, Justice and Overseas Employment Adviser Asif Nazrul and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain. Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Shameem Ahsan chaired the meeting.
Chief adviser Muhammad Yunus is in Kuala Lumpur on a three-day official visit at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar bin Ibrahim.