The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) can contribute significantly to their land of origin if a congenial atmosphere is created for the same. Speakers at the three-day conference of the NRBs in Dhaka underlined the need for creating such an atmosphere in the country and that to harness their expertise in different fields for the development of their motherland. Expatriate scholars who attended the conference also expressed their pledge to contribute to the progress of the country.

Research organisation, Scholars Bangladesh (SB) organised the conference titled 'Non-Resident Bangladeshi (NRB) Conference 2007' with a view to recognising the contributions of both resident and non-resident Bangladeshis and finding ways to bring together their expertise for the development of the country. Nearly 1000 eminent Bangladeshis from home and abroad took part in the conference. The conference awarded four resident and an equal number of non-resident Bangladeshi experts for their outstanding contributions in different fields. About twenty seminars on different contemporary issues pertaining to the development of the country were held during the conference.

They noted the process of brain drain from Bangladesh that has reached an alarming level. It is gathered from media reports that more than 90 percent of scholars educated and trained outside used to return to the country before 1973. The rate has now declined to about 10 percent. The conference, first of its kind, opened up a scope before Bangladesh to make proper use of the expertise of the eminent persons in the progress of the country.

The NRBs can play vital roles and make significant contributions to development efforts. Bangladesh is now experiencing a declining trend in foreign direct investment and export trade. The expatriates can invest in different sectors of the national economy and thus help reduce dependence on donor support and foreign investment. The NRBs working in high-tech industries have also access to latest technologies. They can play pivotal roles in the transfer of technology to Bangladesh, especially in the ICT sector. They can also facilitate access of Bangladeshi products to markets abroad by using links that they have with foreign businesses and their governments.

In Bangladesh the scope for exploiting their expertise and using their connections are limited. It depends upon the creation of a hospitable environment in Bangladesh to attract NRBs and avail such windows of opportunities. The government and relevant organisations and agencies must create an atmosphere so that the expatriates feel encouraged to play mutually beneficial roles. They should be given necessary incentives too. Investment procedures need to be simplified. Legal instruments should be viewed by them as adequate to give security to their investment. Political stability and democratic environment are prime conditions to gain full confidence of the NRBs.

The development of the country depends much on how all concerned play their respective roles. The authorities must first make all efforts to facilitate expatriates' contributions. Expatriates are expected to come forward in a big way if they find the environment conducive and their investment profitable and secure.