Desk Report:
Md. Ismail Zabiullah, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Public Administration and a member of the BNP’s National Standing Committee, stated, “From now on, we do not want ‘brain drain’; we want ‘brain gain’.” The BNP has formally formed the government after securing an absolute majority. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, work on national reconstruction and economic reform has already begun in full swing, aligned with the election manifesto. A favorable investment climate—featuring consistent policies and deregulation—has already been established. Attracting foreign investment and strengthening the country’s economic foundation have been prioritized in this new journey of the government. In this context, the Adviser issued a fervent call to Malaysian investors, expatriate Bangladeshi businesspeople, successful entrepreneurs, and prospective investors to make substantial investments in Bangladesh.
He made these remarks on Saturday (September 26, 2026) while addressing an exchange meeting as the chief guest in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; the event was organized by the Malaysia BNP and its various affiliated and associate organizations.
The Adviser stated that full cooperation would be extended to the robust community of Malaysia-based Bangladeshi businesspeople and young entrepreneurs to help them expand their investments in Bangladesh by participating in these new economic activities. More than 1.5 million Bangladeshis are currently employed in Malaysia. Among them are not only unskilled workers but also academics, technologists, physicians, entrepreneurs, businesspeople, IT specialists, and engineers. The knowledge, experience, and skills they have acquired can play a vital role in the country’s development. He specifically urged expatriate professionals and experts to return to Bangladesh and play a significant role in the nation’s development activities.
The Adviser further noted that the journey of manpower export from Bangladesh began with the initiative of the late President Ziaur Rahman to send skilled personnel to the Middle East. Currently, over 10 million Bangladeshi expatriates are working in various countries across the globe. Their hard work and the remittances they send play a crucial role in keeping the country’s economy dynamic. Remittances sent by expatriates are a key driving force of our economy. This contribution by expatriate Bangladeshis is vital to the country’s economic development and progress. It is our responsibility to properly value their labor and sacrifices and to ensure their welfare.
Md. Ismail Zabiullah stated that the BNP’s election manifesto pledges to ensure voting rights for expatriates and undertake various welfare-oriented initiatives for them. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has initiated the launch of a ‘Probashi Card’ (Expatriate Card) to further strengthen and institutionalize the state’s relationship with expatriate Bangladeshis. A pilot program for this card is scheduled to launch in July 2026. Additionally, the government has taken steps to minimize harassment at airports and ensure easier, safer, and more dignified services for expatriates. The government has also made a policy decision to provide priority check-in and boarding, as well as access to the Balaka Lounge, for holders of the Expatriate Card.
Noting that the government has taken initiatives to create separate housing and investment opportunities for expatriates, the advisor mentioned plans to launch this program in Sylhet and subsequently expand it to other parts of the country. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government is working to build a modern, efficient, and people-friendly Bangladesh. To this end, efforts will be made to facilitate expatriate investment and create opportunities for world-class education, employment, and entrepreneurship for the youth within the country. He further added that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman envisions transforming Bangladesh into a trillion-dollar economy by 2034. Expatriate investments, talent, and experience will play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
During the meeting, leaders from various BNP affiliate and associate organizations—including academics, researchers, technologists, and women entrepreneurs based in Malaysia—highlighted the various issues and expectations of expatriate Bangladeshis. They called for effective government action regarding the employment and working conditions of Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia, the streamlining of passport and consular services, and other matters concerning the interests of expatriates.
Leaders at various levels emphasized that expatriate Bangladeshis are making significant contributions to the national economy. It is essential to enhance coordination among the relevant government departments and maintain regular communication with expatriates to address their issues. They sought the Bangladesh government’s cooperation in resolving various challenges faced by the Bangladeshi community in Malaysia.
The leaders present at the meeting expressed their commitment to working unitedly to safeguard the interests of expatriate Bangladeshis, foster national development, and uphold the national interest.
Speakers at the exchange meeting included the Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia, Mr. Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury; Malaysia BNP President Engineer Badlur Rahman Badal; Senior Vice-President Mr. Mahbub Alam Shah; General Secretary Mr. Mosharraf Hossain; as well as representatives from various affiliated organizations, women entrepreneurs, educationists, and student representatives. Embassy officials, leaders of various Malaysia BNP affiliated bodies, and expatriate Bangladeshis were also present.
