Dhaka, Feb 28, 2026:
Speakers at a dialogue in the capital on Friday called for a structured national system to engage Bangladesh’s estimated 2.4 million diaspora members worldwide, saying their potential in investment, innovation, skills, and policy engagement remains largely underutilised.
The event, titled “Unlocking Diaspora Potential in Nation-Building,” was jointly organised by BOND, Club JCI, Next 50, The Daily Star, and Oxfam in Bangladesh. Around 60 participants from home and key diaspora destinations—including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and EU countries—joined the discussion in person and online.
Keynote speaker Dr Tanzil Shafique, Associate Professor at the University of Sheffield, said the main challenge is not a lack of diaspora interest but the absence of credible engagement pathways. He proposed a four-layer model comprising an accessible “front door,” clear service and investment pathways, a trust infrastructure to ensure transparency, and delivery partnerships across government and the private sector.
Md Sariful Islam of Oxfam in Bangladesh stressed moving beyond a remittance-centric view, highlighting the need to leverage diaspora expertise in entrepreneurship, knowledge transfer and global representation.
Quazi M. Ahmed of BOND and other speakers underscored gaps in coordination and called for a one-stop service to facilitate diaspora investment. Representatives from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) outlined efforts to simplify procedures.
The dialogue recommended adopting a National Diaspora Engagement Policy, establishing a dedicated authority, launching a digital platform for verified opportunities, revising diaspora bonds and forming diaspora councils in key countries. A policy brief consolidating the recommendations is expected soon.
