Nobel Laureate and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has called on non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) to actively contribute their knowledge, experience, and investment to help rebuild Bangladesh in line with the aspirations of its people.
“Bangladesh is truly spread all over the world. There is no distance between us. You are very much part of Bangladesh,” Prof Yunus said while addressing a packed audience of NRBs at the ‘NRB Connect Day: Empowering Global Bangladeshis’ event in New York on Saturday evening.
Organized jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), the event aimed to strengthen engagement between the diaspora and the ongoing reform and reconstruction process in Bangladesh.
Prof Yunus credited remittances from NRBs as a critical driver behind the economy’s recovery.
“Our economy had totally collapsed. Who helped it bounce back? It was remittance. Remittances gave birth to a new Bangladesh,” he stated, earning resounding applause from the audience.
He encouraged NRBs to step beyond offering moral support and to become active participants in shaping the country’s future:
“It’s easy to speak from the gallery. But we want you to join us on the field and play together.”
Diaspora Engagement App Launched
Prof Yunus also launched a new mobile app called ‘Shubheccha’, designed to serve NRBs with essential citizen services, community engagement opportunities, and investment pathways.
BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun introduced the app and delivered a presentation on Bangladesh’s economic progress since the July Uprising, noting a 21% increase in remittance inflow during that period. He also detailed new government initiatives to create an investment-friendly environment, and informed NRBs about the voting process for the upcoming general elections, expected in February next year.
Political Unity and Vision for the Future
The event witnessed rare political unity, with several opposition leaders attending, including:
- BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir
- BNP Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir
- Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher
- Jamaat US Spokesperson Mohammad Nakibur Rahman
- NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossen
- NCP Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr. Tasnim Jara
Prof Yunus expressed confidence in the future of Bangladesh, citing the presence and collaboration of diverse political leaders as a sign of hope and a renewed national commitment.
Panel Discussions
Two panel discussions followed the main event:
- “Bridging Borders: Current Affairs and Diaspora Engagement” – moderated by Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi, with participation from Expatriate Welfare Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul and others.
- “Shaping Tomorrow: The Future of Bangladesh” – moderated by National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman, with contributions from Tasnim Jara (NCP), Humayun Kabir (BNP), and Nakibur Rahman (Jamaat).
Both sessions highlighted the need for sustained diaspora engagement, political collaboration, and long-term strategic planning to reshape the future of Bangladesh.
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