Ahammad Parvej Khan
Non-Resident Bangladeshi (NRB) business leaders based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have proposed an investment of nearly BDT 1,000 crore to invigorate Bangladesh’s economy. The detailed outline of this investment plan was presented during a high-level meeting held on Tuesday morning at the office of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).
Presided over by Jiban Krishna Saha Roy, Director General of BIDA’s Investment Promotion Wing, the meeting highlighted the multifaceted benefits of the proposed capital inflow.
NRB representatives emphasized that this investment goes beyond financial addition, as it aims to foster industrial development, generate widespread employment, advance technology adoption, and unlock new avenues for earning foreign currency.
The UAE-based NRB entrepreneurs identified several core sectors for their potential ventures, including Modern digital and AI-driven Islamic banking, Dry food processing, Renewable energy, Tourism, Healthcare and Digital rental management systems.
To expedite the implementation of these projects, the delegation outlined crucial policy and structural measures required from the government.
They have requested to establish of a dedicated One-Stop Service tailored for NRB investors, long-term allocation of government land, fast-tracked licensing procedures and simplified repatriation processes for profits and dividends.
In addition to investment incentives, the delegation submitted a 15-point demand to enhance general expatriate welfare. Prominent recommendations include establishing a 24/7 hotline for NRBs, repatriating deceased expatriates fully at state expense, increasing remittance incentives, and ensuring affordable airfares.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mohammad Rubel CIP stressed that expatriates are primary stakeholders in the national economy and should not be viewed merely as sources of remittance. He expressed optimism that providing necessary legal protections and structural support would rapidly turn these large-scale investment commitments into reality.
The NRB delegation featured key business leaders and community representatives, including journalist Keramat Ullah Biplob, Shibly Al Sadiq, Md. Nazrul Islam CIP, Mohammad Salim Uddin CIP, Mohammad Monjurul Huq CIP, Mohammad Shamsuzzaman CIP, Mohammad Shafiqul Islam Rahi CIP, Mohammad Nazim Uddin CIP, as well as entrepreneurs Mahmudul Hasan and Mohammad Enamul Huq.
Representing BIDA and Bangladesh Bank were BIDA Directors Tajmahal Begum and Md. Stake Mirajul Islam Khan, Deputy Director Sheikh Rasibul Islam, Assistant Directors Md. Ashraful Alam Lincoln and S M Rafio Morshed, alongside Bangladesh Bank Joint Directors Jonaed Siam and Abdullah Shihar (currently attached to BIDA).
