The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Speakers at the 'Non Resident Bangladeshi (NRB) Conference 2007' that began in the city yesterday stressed on creating a congenial atmosphere in the country facilitating the expatriate Bangladeshi scholars contribute to the nation.

The scholars living abroad also expressed their firm commitment to the nation and vowed to contribute in the development of the country.

Scholars Bangladesh (SB), a research organisation, in association with the government has organised the function at Sheraton Hotel in the city. Around 1000 resident and non-resident Bangladeshis, including a host of scientists and renowned personalities, are participating in the three-day conference.

"We believe now is the time to go forward and build a better and prosperous Bangladesh," said Dr Kamal Hossain, who is an adviser of the SB.

Computer Scientist and literary Scholar Dr Zafar Iqbal said, "Bangladeshi scholars reigning all around the world love their motherland tremendously. They really want to do for Bangladesh. But unfortunately the opportunities and scopes are very limited."

He stressed ensuring quality education and security to bring the expatriate scholars back to Bangladesh.

Research has shown that before 1973, more than 90 per cent of Bangladeshi Scholars who were educated and trained in foreign countries came back to their beloved motherland. But after 1973, the rate has gradually decreased to 5-10 per cent.

A stable political environment in the country can encourage NRB's to contribute to their beloved motherland, the speakers observed.

The Government need to offer them investment opportunities, provide them with good job placements, and support them to carry on with their research and implementation work, they said.

Some of the speakers regretted that the expertise Bangladeshi Scholars have gained was not being utilized for the development and betterment of their own motherland. On the contrary, the countries where these expatriates live are gaining by capitalizing on their knowledge and experience.

SB president ME Chowdhury Shameem and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dilara Afroz Khan, NRB advisers Prof Hafiz GA Siddiqi and Prof Bazlul Mobin Chowdhury also spoke on the occasion.