Noting some of the expatriates’ active opposition or hostility towards each other in the name of political affiliations abroad, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has encouraged the non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) to engage in the domestic politics of their respective host country abroad instead of getting involved in Bangladesh’s domestic politics. Speaking at a NRBs’ conference on Saturday, he said this changed approach will truly help enhance Bangladesh’s image and branding abroad with greater influence like the Indian expatriates who have the leverage with their greater engagement in host countries’ domestic politics through important posts. “We must come out from this practice,” Hossain said, referring to what has been seen in the past decades abroad under the banner of political parties like Bangladesh Awami League, BNP, Jamaat and Jatiya Party to some extent, not just now or during the previous regime. The Centre for Non-Resident Bangladeshis (CNRB) hosted the conference titled “Branding Bangladesh: NRB and UN Peacekeepers Leading the Way” as part of world conference series 2025. It was chaired by CNRB Chairperson MS Shekil Chowdhury. Nagorik Committee demands resumption of sales in TCB trucks, VAT rollback Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur, among others, spoke at the event. The Foreign Adviser also referred to branches of Bangladesh’s major political parties abroad who gather in a big way when someone goes to a particular country from Bangladesh, and posed a question whether similar things are seen from any other country in the world. Hossain said they simply see party or individual-based reaction instead of issue-based reaction from some of the Bangladeshi expatriates. “This is harming us in a big way in terms of our image and branding abroad,” he said, encouraging all to look at India and how they are dealing with the issue.      “We will get benefitted when we get involved in domestic politics (of host countries). This is our path, if we want to be influential globally,” he said. Sharing his experience in serving as Bangladesh Ambassador to South Africa, Hossain said fortunately he saw both BNP and Awami League supporters together welcomed whenever any guest visited the country from Bangladesh. “It was entirely exceptional,” he said, adding that he did not see such unity by the Bangladeshis in the Western countries which are supposed to be stronger in democratic practice. Hossain said when NRBs hold important positions in their host countries; it will create a strong brand image for Bangladesh globally. BB Governor reveals laundered money figures, reaffirms efforts to recover  Referring to the example set by the Indian diaspora, he said Indians have achieved significant global influence by securing crucial positions in governments and political bodies in different countries, especially in Western nations. Hossain said Bangladesh’s political parties are among the largest in the world, with widespread branches across numerous countries. “Have you seen people from any other country gathering at airports in foreign lands to chant slogans against someone?” he posed a question. “Why do Indians enjoy various benefits abroad while we do not? Because we are less involved in local politics,” he added. The Foreign Adviser urged NRBs to counter false propaganda against Bangladesh in the international arena especially in Indian media, particularly narratives suggesting a war-like situation or minority-targeted violence in the country. “Some incidents have occurred, but they were not aimed at minorities due to their religious identity,” he said. “For example, if ten houses were attacked, eight of them were owned by Muslims.” Money laundering stopped due to transparency in banking sector: BB Governor

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has emphasised the interim government's commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and urged Non-Resident Bangladeshis to leverage their expertise and networks to invest in Bangladesh's key sectors. "By partnering with the government and local enterprises, NRBs can unlock untapped opportunities while gaining a foothold in one of the fastest-growing economies in the world," Hossain said while speaking at the "NRB Conclave" at Foreign Service Academy. Members of the Bangladesh Brand Forum and Non- Resident Bangladeshis were present at the event under the theme "Transforming Bangladesh through Knowledge Remittance." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with Bangladesh Brand Forum and other partners, is committed to transforming Bangladesh into a nation that thrives on knowledge, innovation, and global partnerships, said the Adviser. Bangladesh needs to maintain good ties with India, China, US: Foreign Adviser "Together, we can achieve the vision of a prosperous, inclusive, and respected Bangladesh. Let us embrace this opportunity with determination and unity. The world is watching, and the future is calling," the adviser added. Hossain said the NRBs with expertise in technology can facilitate the transfer of knowledge and skills; collaborate with local startups and businesses to foster a culture of innovation; advocate for the establishment of Tech Incubators and R&D Centers that drive homegrown solutions. He said the story of Bangladesh is one of resilience, innovation, and boundless potential. "Yet, the global perception of our nation often falls short of this reality." The Adviser said the interim government, unfortunately, has been confronted with a misinformation and disinformation campaign in a part of the media in the region based mostly on falsehood. "We have to develop our narrative based on the truth. NRBs, as credible and influential ambassadors, can play a pivotal role in reshaping this narrative," Hossain said.

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.

Terming Bangladesh a land of opportunities, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan has urged US businessmen and also the non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) living in the US to invest in the country which offers an attractive and investment-friendly environment. The BGMEA chief made the call while addressing a business roundtable held in New York recently, said a media release Thursday. The US-Bangladesh Business Council of the US Chamber of Commerce hosted the roundtable with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and over 30 senior executives from the US and Bangladesh business communities on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).   READ: BGMEA wants to increase RMG exports to Canada, promote positive image The event was presided over by Jay R Pryor, vice-president of business development at Chevron and the council's chair of the board of directors, and Nisha Biswal, president of US-Bangladesh Business Council and senior vice-president – South Asia, international strategy and global initiatives at the US Chamber of Commerce. Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed, ICT Affairs Adviser to the prime minister, M Shahidul Islam, Bangladesh ambassador to the US, and Md Jashim Uddin, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries, also attended the roundtable. The virtual roundtable engaged high-level Bangladesh government officials as well as major US and Bangladeshi companies across sectors and supply chains as well as major Bangladeshi business associations, including the BGMEA. READ: BGMEA chief invites Canadian businessmen to invest in Bangladesh "With our ever-increasing economy, political stability and all-out effort made by our government to build infrastructures, we are now one of the most favoured countries in South Asia for trade and investment. We have favourable fiscal and non-fiscal policies for the foreign investors," Faruque said. The BGMEA president highlighted the prospects of investment in different potential sectors, including high value-added and non-cotton textiles along with others. Also, there are huge investment opportunities in other sectors that can substitute imports and complement industries in Bangladesh like spare parts, textile machinery, light engineering, jute, leather, pharmaceuticals, ceramics and shipbuilding, he added.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan has said engagement of non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) can play a crucial role in shaping the financial, social and economic conditions of the country. He made the remark during a meeting with Nayem Uddin Ahmed, consul general of the Bangladesh Consulate General in Toronto, recently, said the apparel industry's apex body Monday. BGMEA Director Abdullah Hil Rakib was also present at the meeting. READ: BGMEA wants to increase RMG exports to Canada, promote positive image Faruque said many NRBs are well-established businessmen, having huge investments in their countries of residence, while many hold influential positions in governments as politicians and members of parliaments. Also, a lot of Bangladeshis are renowned scientists, academicians, researchers, high government officials and holding other prestigious positions. Avenues should be created in an effective way to allow them to contribute to the development of Bangladesh, he added. He sought the cooperation of Nayem Uddin to help the NRBs living in Canada promote the interests of Bangladesh. The BGMEA president expressed thanks to the Bangladesh government for setting up a state-of-the-art office of the consulate general in Toronto as it would be helpful to showcase "Made in Bangladesh" products, including apparel items and attract potential foreign investors. READ: BGMEA chief invites Canadian businessmen to invest in Bangladesh Also, he requested the consul general to consider providing one-stop services to foreign investors from the consulate general

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has laid emphasis on building bridges between Bangladesh and the talented Bangladeshi young force in foreign countries, specially in the UK and engaging them for expediting development efforts in Bangladesh.