FROM PAGE 16

Investment Development Authority (BIDA) jointly organised the event titled “NRB Connect Day: Empowering Global Bangladeshis”, which included different engagements, including a plenary session, the launch of a new digital app, and diaspora engagement.

NRBs shared their perspectives, raised concerns, contributed ideas, and helped shape initiatives that strengthen their connection to Bangladesh.

BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun highlighted Bangladesh’s economic progress over the past 15 months since the July Uprising and outlined government initiatives to create an investment-friendly environment.

The chief adviser launched a mobile application named Shubheccha, designed to provide NRBs with essential services, guidance, and investment opportunities.

Yunus lauded the invaluable contributions of NRBs, mentioning that their remittances have been central to strengthening the country’s economy.

“Our economy had totally collapsed. Nothing was left. The economy kept drifting from bottom to bottom. Who has helped the economy bounce back? It was remittance. Remittances gave birth to a new Bangladesh,” he said.

“Look at the Bangladesh map in a different way. Bangladesh is truly spread all over the world. There is no distance between us. You [NRBs] are very much part of Bangladesh,” he said.

The chief adviser emphasised that they can play a vital role in advancing the changes ushered in by the July uprising through their respective contributions.

“My confidence grew when I saw political leaders agreeing to join us on this visit,” Yunus added, expressing strong optimism about Bangladesh’s future.

Speaking at the event, Fakhrul praised Yunus, saying he saw in his words the reflection of the late President Ziaur Rahman’s dream of a democratic, developed, and corruption-free Bangladesh.

“Two days ago, at a US-Bangladesh business forum, when our respected and globally acknowledged Professor Yunus was speaking, I repeatedly felt as if I was listening to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of our country’s independence,” he said.

Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher reiterated his party’s commitment to building a corruption-free Bangladesh and urged the NRBs to actively participate in nation-building efforts.

National Citizen Party leader Akhtar Hossen spoke of taking a strong position on ensuring NRB voting rights and hoped to play a significant role in rebuilding Bangladesh.

NCP leader Tasnim Jara described the present situation as a “very critical moment,” saying that while differences of opinion will remain, the country must never return to old violence.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, BNP leader Humayun Kabir, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami US Spokesperson Mohammad Nakibur Rahman also spoke at the event.

During a meeting with Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Anacláudia Rossbach, Yunus called on UN-Habitat to expand its presence in Bangladesh to help develop sustainable and affordable housing solutions for communities frequently impacted by climate-induced disasters, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.

Rossbach confirmed UN-Habitat’s interest in attending the upcoming Rohingya conference and responded positively to an invitation from Housing and Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan to visit the Rohingya camps in Bangladesh in the coming months.