Bangladesh must adopt a proactive and strategic approach to engage its estimated 2.4 million diaspora members worldwide, particularly in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and European Union countries, speakers at a dialogue said on Friday.
They noted that while the diaspora community holds significant potential in investment, innovation, knowledge exchange, skills development, networks and policy engagement, much of it remains underutilised.
The discussion, titled “Unlocking Diaspora Potential in Nation-Building,” was held in Dhaka on February 28 and brought together around 60 participants from Bangladesh and key diaspora destinations, both in person and online. The event was jointly organised by BOND, Club JCI, Next 50, The Daily Star and Oxfam in Bangladesh.
Speakers emphasised the need for a structured national system to ensure consistent diaspora engagement, observing that existing efforts remain fragmented and lack institutional mechanisms to connect global Bangladeshis with national development priorities.
Keynote speaker Dr Tanzil Shafique, associate professor at the University of Sheffield, said the main challenge is not a lack of interest among diaspora members but the absence of credible engagement pathways.
Drawing on international experiences, he proposed a four-layer model comprising a “front door” for entry, clear pathways for service, investment and knowledge exchange, a trust infrastructure ensuring transparency, and delivery partnerships across government, private sector and institutions.
Moderating the session, Md Sariful Islam, head of Influencing, Communications, Advocacy and Media (ICAM) at Oxfam in Bangladesh, stressed the importance of moving beyond a remittance-centric view of the diaspora.
He said diaspora contributions should also extend to entrepreneurship, policy engagement, knowledge transfer and international representation.
Quazi M Ahmed, founder of BOND, pointed to gaps in participation mechanisms and called for platforms that ensure coordination and trust.
Anis Rahman, former president of Billions for Bangladesh, advocated for a functional one-stop service to facilitate diaspora investments. Syed Saiful Haque, chairman of WARBE Development Foundation, underscored the need to align diaspora engagement with migration, skills and labour policies.
Diaspora representatives shared perspectives on opportunities and constraints. Muzahid Khan MBE DL from the UK said diaspora communities are willing to engage but require accessible platforms and clear processes. Syed Almas Kabir, former president of BASIS, cited international examples such as India and stressed the need for mechanisms to support diaspora investment and collaboration.
Representing the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Director Shah Nusrat Jahan outlined efforts to simplify procedures and encouraged diaspora stakeholders to engage with the agency.
Former ambassador Mosud Mannan reflected on his diplomatic experience, noting that while diaspora members consistently expressed willingness to contribute, past initiatives lacked coordination and continuity.
Participants from sectors including health, technology, logistics, youth engagement and entrepreneurship highlighted collaboration opportunities in digital innovation, supply chain systems and enterprise development.
The dialogue concluded with a set of proposed actions, including formulation of a National Diaspora Engagement Policy, establishment of a dedicated authority, creation of a digital platform for verified opportunities, revision of diaspora bonds, formation of diaspora councils in key locations and development of transparent systems for investment, reintegration and dispute resolution.
Organisers said the recommendations would be compiled into a policy brief, calling for a shift from fragmented efforts to structured systems enabling diaspora participation in national development.
