NRB Global Convention 2025 was recently held in the capital Dhaka. Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Mohammad Touhid Hossain was present as the chief guest at the conference. He delivered an important speech on the role of expatriate Bangladeshis in the country’s economic recovery and future prospects.
The Foreign Affairs Advisor said that remittances sent by expatriate Bangladeshis have played an important role in keeping the country’s economy stable. The tireless work of expatriate workers has helped in the recovery of the economy after the current government took office. However, he believes that the role of expatriates should not be limited to sending remittances only; rather, it is possible to ensure long-term economic benefits by creating employment through investment in industry and business.
Citing the example of India, he said that India has achieved significant economic benefits by utilizing the skills and global position of its expatriate citizens. A ‘critical mass’ has now been created in Bangladesh who can play a major role in the country’s development. Regarding youth unemployment, he said that due to lack of adequate employment opportunities, many young people are migrating to Europe illegally. If expatriates invest in industry, technology and service sectors in the country, this trend can be reduced.
He also said that there is ample opportunity for Bangladesh to increase its participation in new labor markets like Japan. In that case, strengthening language and skill training will increase the chances of expatriate employment manifold.
An important aspect of the conference was the direct participation of high-level policymakers. Expatriate entrepreneurs presented their real investment problems and prospects directly to the policymakers. Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur was present as the special guest, who emphasized attracting expatriate investment through financial sector reforms, policy support and easy banking system.
Various important issues including health, education, development, economy, information technology and innovation were discussed in the day-long conference. Eminent figures from both the country and expatriate levels participated as keynote speakers and panelists. In addition, the NRB Global Award 2025 was presented in recognition of the significant contributions of expatriate Bangladeshis.
NRB World founder Enayetul Haque Enam said that their goal is to create an effective and sustainable bridge between the expatriate community and the country. They are working tirelessly to link the investment and skills of expatriates with the development of the country.
The expatriate entrepreneurs who participated in the conference said that if the government ensures policy support, transparency and an investment-friendly environment, they are interested in investing in Bangladesh on a large scale. This convention has proven that with the right planning and policy support, expatriate Bangladeshis can be one of the main driving forces of the country’s economic development.
Expatriate entrepreneurs, industrialists, businessmen, doctors, engineers, scientists, teachers and IT professionals from about 25 countries of the world participated in the conference. Representatives of various Bangladeshi chambers of commerce and business councils from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Dubai, Singapore, Japan and South Korea were also present. About 1,000 expatriates participated in the conference.
In addition, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Director Md. Sirajul Islam Khan and Deputy Director Muhammad Munirul Hasan attended the conference and participated in discussions related to investment and development.
The keynote speakers at the opening ceremony were Paul Frost, Commercial Counselor of the US Embassy, Aziz Ahmed, President of NRB World, Gias Ahmed, President of the America-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Hemi Hossain, Secretary General of the Global NRB Chamber, Abdullah Rubel, Secretary General of the Australia-Bangladesh Chamber, Dr. Sheikh Alimuzzaman, Secretary General of the Japan-Bangladesh Medical Association, and Mominul Haque, CEO of Dubai Real Estate.
One of the highlights of the conference was the NRB Global Award 2025 presentation ceremony. This honor was given to a total of 30 distinguished individuals in recognition of their significant contributions to business, industry, education, health, banking, and social development of expatriate Bangladeshis. The awardees are Golam Faruk Bhuiyan (GFB Group of Industries), Tanvir Mahmud (AIMEX LLC), Engineer Abubakar Hanif (Washington University of Science and Technology, USA), Najda Alam (Educator and Social Worker), Preeti Chakraborty (Universal Medical College & Hospital Ltd), Mominul Haque (Dubayt Real Estate and Property Management, UAE), Habib Ullah Don (A. M. Group), Hemi Hossain (Nexgen Global Group, Brainworks, Melbourne Metropolitan College, Arise Care Health) and Engineer Md. Khan (Alloy Metals Company).
In addition, Councilor Jahangir Haque (Raj) (UK, former Mayor, BBCCI Director), Dr. Md. Shadi-uz-Zaman (Notundhora Group), Ahsan Habib (Bismillah Supermarket, Hillmart Discount Super Store), Khaled Ur Rahman (Golden Tulip The Grandmark-Dhaka, Contec Limited), Omar Farooq Khan (Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC), Ahsan Zaman Chowdhury (Trust Bank PLC) and Mohammad Belayet Hossain (Dhaka Home, Bashundhara Housing).
The other recipients of the NRB Global Award 2025 were Abubakar Siddique Rana (Korea Bangladesh Business Council-KBBC, KB Aviation, Prime Group), Dr. Israt Jahan (Aesthetic Hub Limited), Hasanuzzaman Hasan (Bling Leather Products Ltd.), Iftekharul Alam (Paplu) (Veloxpays Pty Ltd, Australia), Saira Abedin (Innerwest Property Group, Kangaroo Global, Reeves College), Zakir Hossain Nayan (United CNG Ltd., United Cab Ltd.), Kawsar Jamal (Ascend Technology Inc.), Md. Riaz Uddin (Veloxpays Pty Ltd, Australia), Md. Salauddin Chowdhury (Stylish Garments Ltd.) and Shakhawat Hossain (Uniq Hotel & Resorts PLC).
In addition, Ali Hossain Prodania (NRBC Bank), Md. S Islam (Nannu) (N.K International), Kazi Sarwar Habib (Furushima BD Ltd.) and Faiz Ahmed Chowdhury (Car Export and Import Business) received the award. The organizers said that this award will inspire expatriate Bangladeshis to play a more active role in the development of the country.
