Non-resident Bangladeshis come together to talk development

A conclave of Non Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) under the theme ‘Transforming Bangladesh through Knowledge Remittance’, was held on Saturday at Le Méridien Dhaka. An initiative of Bangladesh Brand Forum, the conclave explored models and approaches to engage the NRBs in contributing to the national economy of Bangladesh. The event was attended by around 300 invited guests including distinguished non-resident Bangladeshis, Bangladeshi policy makers, academicians, artists, corporate professionals and others. Speaking at the occasion Mr Shariful Islam, founder and managing director of Bangladesh Brand Forum said: “Bangladesh is at a very critical stage of development and the next 10 years will be very critical as a nation. We must apply the most cutting edge thinking, adapt the latest technology and apply new models to make a quantum jump in development. NRBs through Knowledge remittance can make a crucial contribution in this journey.” NRB Conclave was designed with three keynote sessions, four panel discussions, and three insight sessions. Besides, there was an exclusive showcasing of eight divisions’ branding, 10 years journey of Bangladesh Brand Forum, and comparison of past Best Brand Award winners. The keynote sessions were focusing on the topics – The Global Perspective, The Bangladesh Economic Story, Story of an NRB Who Made it in Bangladesh. The keynotes were presented by, respectively, Lutfey Siddiqi CFA - governor and visiting professor-in-practice, London School of Economics, Global Future Council and young global leader, World Economic Forum; Faisal Ahmed - chief economist, Bangladesh Bank; and Humayun Rashid, managing director, Energypac Power Generation Limited. Three insight sessions were taken by Arif Dowla, managing director, ACI Limited; Sylvana Q Sinha, managing director and CEO, Praava Health; Rumana Selim CRSP, vice president, Bangladeshi Canadian - Canadian Bangladeshi (BCCB), health and safety Consultant, Centennial College, Canada. The sessions focused on the topics, respectively, Bangladesh Potential – Role of Diaspora, The Story of Praava Health, and Message from BCCB. Four panel discussions took place having 21 experts as the panelists. The discussion focused on the topics - Investment & NRB Challenges, The Culture Story of Bangladesh, NRB and Future Skill Development, NRB and Transforming the Eight Divisions through Innovation. The NRB Conclave is an initiative of Bangladesh Brand Forum. The initiative is Supported by Energypac, Strategic Partners are Women In Leadership, Bangladesh Creative Forum, The Daily Star, BCCB, and NRB Global Business, Event Partner Le Méridien, Media Partner Ekattor TV and Samakal, Digital Content Partner is ICE Business Times, Digital Media Partner Bangla Tribune, Radio Partner Radio Today and PR Partner Masthead PR.