NRBs can contribute skills for country's dev

The government can utilise the knowledge and skills of non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) in the country's development, said speakers at a programme yesterday.

Besides, the interest of NRBs should be protected as they send remittance to boost the country's economy, they said.

Scholars Bangladesh Foundation (SBF), a non-profit organisation, and Center of NRB Foundation organised the programme to celebrate the first "NRB Day" in the capital's Bangabandhu International Conference Center. 

Speaking as the chief guest, Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith said remittance is a big element in the country's economy, and it is the expatriates who send the money.

However, a country cannot progress depending on remittance only, he said, adding that technological and social change is needed for its progress.

As NRBs are global citizens, they can play a vital role in bringing changes to the society while helping the country's development, he said.

SBF Advisor Dr AK Abdul Momen said there are many NRBs who do not have adequate money for investment, but they have skills, which they acquired over a period of time while staying abroad.

“The government needs to know how to use expertise and knowledge of the NRBs,” he said. He also recalled the contribution of NRBs to muster global support for Bangladesh in the 1971 Liberation War.

Giving examples of India, Taiwan and China, SBF president ME Chowdhury Shameem said expatriates of those countries brought knowledge from the country they worked in.

He also urged the government to store personal information of NRBs so that their skills can be utilised in the country's development when needed.  

Enam Ali, president of British-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce, and  Abul Kalam Azad, chief coordinator for SDG affairs (Prime Minister's Office), were present, among others.