NRBs' Remittance Saves Bangladesh's Economy After July Uprising: CA

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today lauded the contribution of non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs), saying their remittances played a vital role in rescuing Bangladesh’s economy after the July uprising.

"Our economy had hit rock bottom. Your remittances saved it and helped strengthen our economy," he said at an event in New York.

The programme, titled “NRB Connect Day: Empowering Global Bangladeshis”, was held this afternoon at the New York Marriott Marquis in Manhattan, with a large number of NRBs in attendance.

Prof Yunus expressed strong optimism about Bangladesh’s future, pointing to the country’s abundant young workforce. He urged foreign companies to relocate their factories to Bangladesh and transform the country into a global production hub.

Acknowledging NRBs as an integral part of Bangladesh, the Chief Adviser called on them to bring their investments and ideas with confidence. He also assured them that their voting rights would be guaranteed in the next general elections.

Emphasizing regional economic cooperation, Prof Yunus said that Nepal, Bhutan, and India’s northeastern states are landlocked and could benefit greatly if Bangladesh opens its sea access. “If facilities are ensured, all will rush to Bangladesh,” he noted.

The Nobel Peace Laureate also highlighted Bangladesh’s maritime potential, stating, “Cox’s Bazar-Matarbari is ready for a deep seaport,” while underscoring the need to explore gas reserves beneath the Bay of Bengal.

Earlier, Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), presented an overview of the economy, noting that inflation and foreign reserves have stabilized after corrective measures, while foreign direct investment (FDI) has doubled over the past year. He credited expatriates’ remittances as a key factor in economic recovery following the 2024 mass uprising.

A panel discussion, “Harnessing Diaspora as a National Asset”, moderated by Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy on International Affairs, featured Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, who described the Bangalee diaspora as a vital national resource that played a major role during the July–August uprising.

Another session, moderated by Dr Khalilur Rahman, National Security Adviser and High Representative for the Rohingya Issue, included BNP leader Humayun Kabir, Jamaat leader Mohammad Nakibur Rahman, and NCP’s Dr Tasnim Jara. Jara emphasized the importance of women and youth participation in building an inclusive Bangladesh.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, and NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossen also addressed the gathering.

The event featured plenary sessions, the launch of the Shubheccha App, and discussions on diaspora engagement, providing NRBs a platform to share concerns, ideas, and solutions directly with policymakers.

NRB Connect Day brought together Bangladeshis from diverse fields—business, academia, healthcare, technology, and social development—creating opportunities to strengthen ties with the homeland and contribute to sustainable economic and social impact.