When it comes to investments, bonds offer some of the best-secured opportunities out there. As a part of investment facilities through bonds for non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs), Bangladesh Bank offers US Dollar investment bonds (USDIB). Let's take a detailed look at who this is for, how to apply, and what are the benefits of the bond.  What is a US Dollar Investment Bond?  The US Dollar Investment Bond was first introduced in 2002 as a form of investment opportunity for the NRBs. The key goal was to maintain economic stability and increase foreign reserves by attracting dollar investments. It also provided a secure pathway for the NRBs to invest and gain from their foreign earnings. The rules for the USDIB were later updated in 2012 where the invested principal and the interest can be repatriated in dollar or taka as per the choice of the investor.  Read more: How to Invest in Bonds: A Comprehensive Guide Who is Eligible for USDIB?  The government of Bangladesh outlined the eligibility criteria for USDIB investment as follows:  Any NRB living and working abroad earning in foreign currency.Foreign nationals of Bangladeshi origin living abroad and earning in foreign currency. Government and semi-government employees working abroad and earning in foreign currency. This includes those working in Bangladeshi missions or international organizations. How to Buy USDIB?  The process of buying USDIB starts with opening a foreign currency account in any designated bank that operates USDIB under Bangladesh Bank. Note that the F.C. account is different from the Non-Resident Investor’s Taka Account (NITA) as the investment currency can only be US dollars in this case.  Step 1: Opening a Foreign Currency Account  Almost all the leading commercial banks (both national and private) offer USDIB under their NRB banking services. To open a foreign currency account, an NRB would require the following documents.  - Prescribed Account Opening Form - Two passport-size photographs of each of the account holder and the nominee - Authorized specimen signature card (attested by the Bangladesh Embassy in the residing country) - Proof of employment - Copy of passport (attested by the Bangladesh Embassy in the residing country)  An NRB can easily open the F.C. account in any foreign branch of the available banks or use the mail-in service to open the account in Bangladesh.  Read more: Top 10 Strongest Currencies in the World as of May 2024 Step 2: Document Required for USDIB  The process of applying for USDIB differs from bank to bank. Generally, the following documents are required.  - Bangladesh Bank application form for USDIB (https://fid.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/fid.portal.gov.bd/forms/4085d5c1_fd59_4be6_921d_c2c491fce6dc/investment.pdf)- Application request to invest in USDIB in the respective bank - Personal declaration form - FATCA form (for NRBs residing in the USA)  Step 3: Applying for USDIB  Once you apply for USDIB, you will need to show equivalent funds in your foreign currency account associated with the bank. The money can be deposited in the F.C. account in one of the following ways:  - Cash foreign currency deposited at an NRB branch of the bank- Traveler cheques - Regular cheques or drafts - Money order receipt - Electronic fund transfer - Once the bank completes the due diligence, it will issue bond scrips against the desired amount of bonds to be purchased.  Read more: How to Buy Bangladesh Government Treasury Bond: Everything You Need to Know

Bangladesh Bank (BB) in clarification said the non-resident Bangladeshis can open foreign currency accounts (FCA) in any scheduled banks in the country and any amount of money can be deposited to those accounts without the BB permission. If the expatriates bring any amount of cash, dollars or other foreign currencies during arrival, they can deposit it to their bank accounts and exchange it in local currency. The expatriates can deposit USD $ 10,000 to their accounts without declaring it to the customs authorities. Also read: BB raises LC margin integrating foreign currencies The BB issued a notification in this regard on Tuesday to inform people and remove the confusion over free transferring of foreign currency abroad. Under the existing foreign exchange transaction policy, Bangladeshis living abroad can operate private foreign currency accounts or non-resident foreign currency deposit accounts in the country’s banks. Any amount of foreign currencies sent from abroad or brought to Bangladesh from abroad can be deposited to these accounts without question. Also read:BB struggles with dollar demand as LCs worth $ 68.36 billion open in 9 months Besides, expatriates during departure can take abroad the money with them in the form of cash, a maximum amount of $ 5,000 and other foreign currency as required subject to the status of balance in the account. The status of these foreign currency accounts operated in the name of expatriates or non-resident Bangladeshis can be freely sent abroad with interest. In this case, no approval of Bangladesh Bank is required.

Many non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) still have very strong emotional ties with Bangladesh and are willing to be a part of the country's progress through transferring skills and experience or investment, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) chief said Tuesday. Faruque Hassan paid a courtesy call on Sadia Faizunnesa, consul general of the Consulate General of Bangladesh in New York, Tuesday. READ: BGMEA wants to increase RMG exports to Canada, promote positive image He requested the consul general to extend more support, services and information to potential investors to encourage them to invest in Bangladesh. Faruque sought the cooperation of the consul general in paving the way for Bangladeshis living in the US so that they can promote the interests of Bangladesh, including branding the country positively. READ: BGMEA chief invites Canadian businessmen to invest in Bangladesh They discussed different issues, especially possible areas of engagement for NRBs in national development and how more foreign investment could be brought to Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Capital Market Fair (BCMF) has been scheduled to be held in London, home of the largest Bengali community outside of Bangladesh and West Bengal on Sunday, 10th October 2021. 

38 non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) will receive the commercially important person (CIP) status on January 6 next year for their outstanding contribution to the country’s economy.

Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Imran Ahmad on Thursday said the government is providing all kinds of assistance for the overall security of non-resident Bangladeshis during this coronavirus pandemic.