Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir has urged Bangladeshis living in the United States and Bangladeshi-Americans to become more actively involved in mainstream business, politics and civic activities in their adopted country.
He made the call while addressing an exchange of views meeting with members of the Bangladeshi diaspora, organised by the BNP in Washington, DC, at a hotel in Virginia on Friday.
Titumir also said the Bangladesh economy remained active despite numerous challenges, thanks in part to the contribution of Bangladeshis living abroad.
He praised the role of Bangladeshi expatriates in the US, saying they had helped raise awareness among American policymakers and institutions about developments in Bangladesh.
“Our expectation is that Bangladeshis living in the US and Bangladeshi-Americans will become more involved in mainstream politics and other activities. This will create greater opportunities for them to contribute to Bangladesh,” he said.
Referring to the national budget, Titumir said, "This year’s budget is an equality-based budget for regional development without discrimination."
“The Prime Minister’s ‘I have a plan’ means a plan to implement a realistic action plan through which he wants to change the fate of all the people of Bangladesh and has started it,” the Dhaka University professor of development economics said.
Speaking on the country's political and economic situation, Titumir said people had placed their confidence in Tarique Rahman during what he described as a critical period for Bangladesh.
He alleged that the previous government had left behind a weakened economy and claimed that BNP had historically been entrusted by the people to restore stability during periods of national crisis.
Drawing parallels with previous BNP governments led by the Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, Titumir said the party had earned public trust through its handling of economic challenges in the past.
He expressed optimism that the current leadership would continue efforts to address economic difficulties and meet public expectations.
Washington, DC BNP General Secretary Zakir Hossain moderated the programme.