Young debaters call for productive use of remittances

Young debaters in Dhaka have called for safer and better-supported migration and more effective use of migrants’ hard-earned remittances to create sustainable economic opportunities for families and communities.

The issue was discussed at a mock parliamentary debate at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC), where students from Dhaka International University (DIU) and State University of Bangladesh (SUB) debated the motion, “The remittances sent by migrants can be utilised most effectively through investment in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).”

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) organised the event with the support of the European Union and Debate for Democracy, according to a press release.

The discussion highlighted the need for safe, regular and well-supported migration, as well as better mechanisms to ensure remittances contribute to long-term development instead of being used solely for immediate household expenses.

Speakers noted that remittances have long supported migrant families by financing education, healthcare and housing. They stressed the need to promote savings, entrepreneurship and investment so that a portion of migrant income can generate jobs and strengthen local economies.

IOM Bangladesh Chief of Mission Dr Laura Tomm Bonde said the benefits of migration could extend far beyond individual migrants when migration is safe, regular and properly supported.

“Every remittance sent home is a testament to the hard work, resilience and commitment of Bangladeshi migrants,” she said, adding that investment in SMEs could create jobs, strengthen local economies and open opportunities for future generations.

The event also stressed the importance of improving financial awareness and expanding investment opportunities for migrant families so they can turn remittance income into sustainable livelihoods and greater economic resilience.

Chairman of Debate for Democracy Hassan Ahamed Chowdhury Kiron described migrant workers as the country’s “real heroes”, saying their contribution goes beyond strengthening Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves.