Utilise your expertise for country’s progress
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen yesterday urged non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) to explore different avenues in Bangladesh to utilise their expertise for the country's progress.
"This will bring fortune to the country," he said, adding that non-resident Indians are making significant contribution for their country's progress.
The minister said this while addressing a programme celebrating "6th NRB Day", jointly organised by Center for NRB Foundation and Scholars Bangladesh Foundation at a city hotel.
Momen said the government has created various opportunities for Bangladeshi expatriates, which many of them are not aware of.
Once they learn about the opportunities, they will be able to decide which one is appropriate for them, he added.
He hoped Bangladeshi expatriates will join the countrymen to march forward on the "grand avenue of development", commenced by the government.
In past 14 years, the country not only achieved one of the highest GDPs in the world but also bettered in different socio-economic indicators compared to neighbouring countries, said the foreign minister.
This was possible because of "targeted approach" and especially due to courage, sincerity and willingness of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he added.
He also said a vested group sitting abroad has been involved in spreading negative propaganda against Bangladesh, urging Bangladeshi expatriates to remain vigilant in this regard and prevent such acts.
Addressing the programme, Expatriates' Welfare Minister Imran Ahmad said from next year, the government will officially celebrate December 30 as the "National Expatriate Day", which has been approved in the cabinet recently.
He said Bangladeshi expatriates are gradually becoming "prime factor" for the country, pointing on remittance sent by them as a key pillar of the country's economy.
He stressed that remittance inflow through authorised channels will see a boost if different banks come forward and give extra cash incentive in addition to the government announced 2.5 percent.
ME Chowdhury Shameem, convener of celebration committee of NRB Day, among others, spoke at the programme.
At the programme, the organisers recognised five individuals and two institutions with "NRB Day Award-2022" in different categories for their contributions in the country's development.
The individuals and categories are: MA Jabbar, managing director; DBL Group (industry); Prof Atiqul Islam, vice chancellor, North South University (education); Chowdhury H Ahsan, clinical professor of medicine (health services); Wahidur Rahman Sharif, managing director, Digicon Technologies Limited (technology); and farmer Abdul Motaleb (agriculture).
The institutions are: Janata Bank's NRB Branch (Banking service) and Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts (art and culture).
A web portal on different activities of NRBs was also launched at the programme.
The organisers have been celebrating December 30 as "NRB Day" since 2017.
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