NRB World, a diaspora network for Bangladeshis abroad, seeks to mobilise its global network of expatriate Bangladeshis to attract foreign investment, taking advantage of the government's offer of a 1.5 percent commission for bringing investment into the country.
NRB World president, Mohd Shahiduzzaman on Sunday said the incentive would encourage expatriates to use their international business connections to bring foreign investors to Bangladesh and create employment opportunities.
“We want to bring Bangladeshis under one umbrella so that we can utilise their talent, experience and skills and encourage those capable of investing to invest in this country and create employment opportunities,” he said at a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club in the city.
NRB World is a non-profit, non-political organisation that connects expatriate Bangladeshis in over 50 countries
It plans to organise ’NRB World Summit-2026’, on December 28-29 at the Sheraton hotel, aiming to bring around 1,000 expatriate Bangladeshis established in different countries to explore investment opportunities and strengthen economic ties with Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced in parliament on June 10 that the government would offer a 1.5 percent commission to individuals who bring foreign investment to Bangladesh under the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Incentive Scheme, 2026.
Shahiduzzaman said the incentive could help expatriates cover expenses related to bringing potential investors to Bangladesh, including arranging their visits and facilitating business connections.
He said the government had assured NRB World of assistance with investment-related procedures, including company formation, through the Invest Bangladesh initiative.
He also mentioned tax-holiday facilities and arrangements for transferring investment profits abroad through Bangladesh Bank as measures that could encourage foreign investors.
Shahiduzzaman said NRB World wanted to act as a bridge between overseas investors and Bangladesh, helping channel expatriates' expertise, resources and international business connections into the country's economic development.
He also called for a dedicated identification system and database for non-resident Bangladeshis, saying each expatriate should have a unique identification number and be included in databases maintained by the foreign and home ministries.
He said the organisation had repeatedly sought such an arrangement to help expatriates access government facilities, including tax rebates and other benefits for sending remittances through official channels.
He also urged the government to translate its assurances of support into practical measures to address the problems expatriates face both at home and abroad.