A total of 32 non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) have been recognised for their outstanding contributions in areas like education, healthcare, industry, financial services and agriculture after returning to the country.
Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Ahmed handed over the awards during an event, styled "NRB Day Award 2024", at Sheraton Dhaka in the capital city on Thursday.
NRB World, a platform for all expatriate Bangladeshis, and Business Asia jointly organised the event.
Over 500 expatriates, including entrepreneurs, doctors, engineers and other professionals from diverse fields participated in the summit.
At the event, the commerce adviser congratulated the expatriates for their contributions in sending remittances during these hard times. He also urged increase their contributions through investment.
Echoing the same, Md Jashim Uddin, former president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, urged NRBs to take the lead in investing in various sectors, including energy.
The daylong event focusing on the role of NRBs in developing the country was inaugurated by Lutfe Siddiqui, The Chief Adviser's Special Envoy on international affairs.
In his speech, Siddiqui highlighted the summit as a golden opportunity for NRBs to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Bangladesh, emphasising their vital contributions to the nation's development.
"This is a golden opportunity for all of us to move beyond the painful chapters of our history, written by the sacrifices of our youth and mass movements that define our struggles," he said.
"The role of NRBs is crucial in building a new Bangladesh, and this is your chance to contribute to its future by playing your rightful part in the country's progress," Siddiqui added.
The event featured multiple seminars covering key topics such as education, healthcare, investment, banking, agriculture, tourism, housing, and the role of Bangladeshi diaspora in national development.
Experts from these sectors, including policymakers from Bangladesh and abroad, engaged in discussions as speakers and panellists, offering valuable insights for collaboration and growth.
