The New Nation - Internet Edition

Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) of Dhaka University arranged a day-long training of trainers entitled 'Better Management of Migrant's Remittances: 3rd TOT for Capacity Building of Bank Officials', with the support of Manusher Jonnya Foundation on 24 November 2007. The training was organised for the district level bank officials. Dr. Tasneem Siddiqui, Professor, Dept. of Political Science, University of Dhaka 'presented the key note paper on the overall migration scenario in Bangladesh and the contribution of remittance to the economy of Bangladesh.

The training highlighted the remitting experiences of the migrants through banks at both sending and receiving ends. Through participatory process problems that constrained the remittances transaction, including wrong names in the form, name of branch, account name and number were discussed.

Khandakar Muzharul Haque, Executive Director, Bangladesh Bank was present as the guest of honour in the inaugural session. Dr C R Abrar, Coordinator RMMRU, highlighted the need for customer friendly services to the remittance receiving families. Ms. Valerie McNevin, Senior International Legal Advisor, Remittance and Payments Partnership Project, Bangladesh Bank highlighted new methods that will have impact on future remittance transfer flow, such as instant cash, door-to-door services, mobile services, etc.

The participants of the workshop comprised 40 district level bank officials from Comilla and Chittagong. Md Nazrul Islam, AGM, F/C Management Division, Agrani Bank, A K M Mosharraf Hossain, AGM, International Department of Bangladesh Krishi Bank and Mohammad Nazir Hossain, Senior Principal Officer, Janata Bank Training Institute were among the other resource persons to conduct the training sessions.