On December 29, 2024, a landmark event took place at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka — the *NRB Conclave 2024*. Organized by Bangladesh Brand Forum, with Prime Bank PLC as the presenting partner, and powered by bKash Limited and Team Group BD, this momentous conclave was designed to unlock the vast potential of Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) as key agents of national transformation. Held under the theme *“Transforming Bangladesh Through Knowledge Remittance,”* the conclave aimed to create a structured framework for NRBs to channel their intellectual capital back into Bangladesh’s growth trajectory.
The NRB Conclave 2024 was not just an event, but a bold statement about the country’s future. It focused on mobilizing NRBs’ expertise, knowledge, and skills to drive investments, technological innovations, and national branding. With a jam-packed agenda that included three visionary keynote sessions, four dynamic panel discussions, and a project-launching session centered on urban development, the event provided a platform for robust exchanges that addressed Bangladesh’s current and future challenges. The overarching goal was clear — to harness the power of NRBs in crafting a sustainable, knowledge-driven future for Bangladesh.
The opening session was graced by Md. Jashim Uddin, Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Bangladesh, who set the tone by emphasizing the untapped potential of NRBs. He said, *“Beyond financial remittances, NRBs have the power to revolutionize sectors like investment, technology, and nation branding, positioning Bangladesh as a competitive force on the global stage.”*
Md. Touhid Hossain, Honorable Adviser to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, closed the conclave with an inspiring message about the nation’s transformation. Reflecting on the aspirations of Bangladesh’s younger generation and the momentum created by the July Uprising, he noted that *“Bangladesh can thrive globally by enhancing its workforce quality, embracing innovation, and strategically harnessing the expertise of NRBs. With improved infrastructure and a redefined brand, the country is poised to be a hub for global investment and partnerships.”*
Shariful Islam, the Founder & Managing Director of Bangladesh Brand Forum, encapsulated the essence of the event in his welcome speech, acknowledging the vital role that over 10 million NRBs play across industries globally. He remarked, *“Bangladesh’s future lies not only in its economic strength but in the brilliance of its global citizens. The expertise of NRBs can drive the innovation, investment, and sustainable development the country needs to thrive.”*
A key moment during the conclave was the launch of the *Future City Competition USA* — a collaboration between NYBSYS and Racson USA, aimed at engaging NRBs in transformative urban development projects. This initiative underscores the event’s focus on practical, impactful solutions for Bangladesh’s future.
Through this groundbreaking conclave, Bangladesh Brand Forum has set the stage for NRBs to serve as catalysts for change. By unlocking their intellectual capital, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation, the NRB Conclave 2024 marks a significant step in positioning Bangladesh as a competitive, future-ready nation on the global stage. The vision is clear: with a powerful global diaspora, Bangladesh can rise to new heights, transforming itself into a beacon of innovation, investment, and sustainable growth.
KEYNOTE SESSION 1: The New Bangladesh Narrative
Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy on International Affairs to the Hon’ble Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, delivered a keynote session at the NRB Conclave 2024 on the importance of branding and economic reforms in shaping Bangladesh’s global narrative. He emphasized that brand positioning is crucial for altering global perceptions, attracting investment, and driving economic growth. Non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) were highlighted as key contributors to this effort, as they bring skills, ideas, and investments that can support structural reforms and economic development. Their active participation in promoting Bangladesh’s image, advocating for reforms, and countering disinformation is essential for national progress.
Addressing macroeconomic concerns, Siddiqi pointed out Bangladesh’s low Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)-to-GDP ratio and weak tax revenue generation, making it one of the most financially constrained economies. He cautioned against unsustainable fiscal policies such as excessive money printing, which can deplete reserves. Despite these challenges, Bangladesh possesses significant economic strengths, including a large, youthful population with a higher fertility rate than many neighbouring countries. However, to fully leverage this demographic advantage, more investment and foreign capital inflow are necessary.
To overcome economic and institutional roadblocks, Siddiqi stressed the importance of credible storytelling and strategic brand positioning. He noted that while Bangladesh’s leadership enjoys international recognition, true progress requires institutional reforms rather than reliance on individuals. Collaboration among key governmental bodies, including BETA, Chittagong Port, and various ministries, is essential to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles and implement systemic changes. NRBs should be actively engaged in this process, fostering a collaborative cycle of investment, reform, and development.
A major challenge facing Bangladesh is its limited state capacity and project management flexibility, both of which must be improved to ensure long-term growth. To address this, NRBs can organize into specialized intellectual networks, interfacing with policymakers to drive meaningful initiatives. They can also advocate for structural reforms, ensuring transparency through monitoring mechanisms and watchdog platforms. Additionally, NRBs play a crucial role in countering misinformation and promoting a credible national story that highlights Bangladesh’s progress and potential on the global stage.
Siddiqi concluded by emphasizing the need for Bangladesh to remain open to goodwill, innovation, and external expertise. NRBs, with their global exposure and professional networks, are vital in pushing for necessary reforms, fostering sustainable economic progress, and reinforcing Bangladesh’s position as an emerging economic power.
PANEL DISCUSSION 1: Reshaping Skill Development in Bangladesh through NRB Engagement
The panel discussion on reshaping skill development in Bangladesh through NRB engagement, moderated by Zeeshan Kingshuk Huq, featured panelists Mohammed Walid Hossain, Additional Secretary, Finance Division, Ministry of Finance, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Fahim Mashroor, Managing Director, BDjobs; Terry (Tarin) Anwar, President and CEO, Jay Gaines & Company; Moshtaq Ahmed, Founder & CEO at Nybsys, USA. The discussion focused on leveraging the expertise of Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) to address workforce challenges and enhance global competitiveness. The panelists highlighted the success of the Skills for Employment Investment Program (SEIP), which has trained over 800,000 individuals with a 71% job placement rate, and emphasized the need to shift towards advanced skill training to meet global market demands.
A key theme was “brain circulation,” where NRBs contribute their expertise in strategic sectors like pharmaceuticals and engineering through mentorship networks and virtual knowledge-sharing agreements. Instead of solely reversing brain drain, panelists suggested enabling NRBs to share their knowledge remotely while also creating incentives for professionals to return, similar to China’s success in attracting its diaspora back home.
Public-private partnerships and the role of embassies were discussed as crucial facilitators of international collaboration, while student mentorship forums were proposed to keep Bangladeshi students studying abroad engaged with their home country. Panelists also stressed the importance of technology in workforce training, with a need to modernize the curriculum to include technical and vocational education, particularly in STEM fields.
Concerns were raised about the labor force’s stagnation in educational attainment, with only 3.85% of workers holding degrees in 2012 and little improvement since. Given Bangladesh’s growing job market constraints, NRBs were encouraged to recommend local graduates for international opportunities, creating a “pull factor” for skilled employment abroad. The panelists also emphasized the importance of recognizing global Bangladeshi talents, such as Salman Khan of Khan Academy, to inspire contributions from the diaspora.
Collaboration and collective effort were identified as major challenges, with the need for a structured approach to engage NRBs effectively. Addressing skill gaps, fostering technical expertise alongside creativity, and recruiting professionals with global experience were seen as essential steps toward making Bangladesh’s workforce more competitive in the international market. The discussion concluded with a call for stronger partnerships, mentorship initiatives, and policy reforms to ensure sustainable skill development and economic growth.
PROJECT LAUNCHING: Launch of Future City Competition USA, with NYBSYS &
Racson USA
The project launching session at NRB Conclave 2024 introduced the Future City Competition USA, a collaborative initiative between NYBSYS and Racson USA, launched by Shariful Islam, Founder & Managing Director of Bangladesh Brand Forum and Bangladesh Innovation Conclave. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) and the younger generation in Bangladesh, offering them exposure to global opportunities and inspiring future growth.
A key component of the initiative is a series of 52 virtual knowledge-sharing sessions across the country, enabling NRBs to mentor students and young professionals. These sessions will provide high-quality mentorship in various fields, ensuring accessibility to knowledge and expertise in all regions. Additionally, a dedicated business leadership mentoring program will cultivate entrepreneurial skills among the youth, preparing them for the global market.
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education is a major focus, with plans to introduce STEM skill development programs in schools with NRB support. The Future City Project—a hands-on, cross-cultural educational experience—will be introduced next year for Bangladeshi school students. Designed for grades 6 to 8, this interactive initiative will incorporate real-world STEM applications, fostering **creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking skills**.
KEYNOTE SESSION 2: Future of Bangladesh’s Economy and NRB Engagement
The Keynote Session delivered by Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of BIDA & BEZA, highlighted the strategic role of Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) in shaping Bangladesh’s economic future. With their global exposure, diverse expertise, and access to international networks, NRBs can help tackle key economic challenges and drive investment-led growth.
Despite positive economic indicators such as improving balance of payments, rising remittances, and increasing exports, Bangladesh continues to struggle with attracting substantial Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), law enforcement inefficiencies, and slow banking sector reforms. Addressing these issues is crucial for creating a business-friendly environment.
Bangladesh’s economic vision focuses on becoming a global hub for IT and electronics manufacturing, advancing renewable energy through solar and wind power, enhancing digital government services, and positioning itself as a prime destination for FDI. To achieve this, the government must fix structural challenges, implement regulatory reforms, and apply behavioural economics to improve policy execution.
A key proposal is the creation of a dedicated NRB Task Force focusing on investment promotion, skills transfer in high-impact sectors, and strengthening Bangladesh’s trade negotiation capabilities, particularly in securing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Additionally, a collaborative engagement model will be established through mentorship programs, sector-specific task groups, and innovative investment strategies to fully integrate NRBs into Bangladesh’s economic progress.
The session emphasized that NRBs are crucial stakeholders in Bangladesh’s transformation, and their structured engagement can bridge knowledge gaps, attract investment, and accelerate the country’s journey towards a more competitive global economy.
PANEL DISCUSSION 2: Unlocking Opportunities: How NRBs Can Catalyze Investment in Emerging Sectors of Bangladesh
The Panel Discussion 2 at NRB Conclave 2024, moderated by Nahian Rahman Rochi, Head of Business Development at the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, featured insights from distinguished panelists Sajid Rahman, Chairman of the Board Finance Committee at ICANN and Managing Partner of MyAsiaVC; Iqbal Ahmed, Chairman and CEO of Seamark PLC; Mominul Islam, Chairman of Dhaka Stock Exchange PLC; Zia U Ahmed, Founder and Chairman of Venture Investment Partners Bangladesh (VIPB); and Rahat Ahmed, Founding Partner and CEO of Anchorless Bangladesh. The discussion focused on unlocking investment opportunities for NRBs in Bangladesh’s emerging sectors and addressing key challenges that hinder foreign investments.
A major concern raised was the regulatory process, which is often slow and inconsistent. Simplifying approval mechanisms and ensuring a maximum processing time of three to six months would make Bangladesh a more attractive investment destination. The panelists emphasized that improving storytelling about Bangladesh’s economic progress is critical in engaging NRBs, who hold influential positions worldwide and can act as brand ambassadors to amplify the country’s success stories. Creating investment-friendly policies with clear guidelines on entry, operation, and exit strategies is essential to boosting investor confidence.
Digital transformation was identified as a crucial step in facilitating NRB investments, with a strong call for institutions to digitize key processes such as opening bank accounts and registering businesses. Having robust online portals would allow NRBs to engage remotely without bureaucratic hurdles. Corruption remains a major deterrent for NRBs, preventing long-term involvement in Bangladesh’s economy. The panelists stressed the importance of strengthening governance and transparency to encourage more NRBs to return and invest.
There is an urgent need to include NRBs in the policymaking process, as their global exposure provides them with unique insights into economic and financial challenges. NRBs have shown particular interest in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and banks should create targeted loan products and financial tools to support this sector. Effective communication is also vital, as commercial counselors often struggle with English proficiency, creating a disconnect between NRBs and investment opportunities in Bangladesh. Recruiting skilled professionals with global experience would help bridge this gap.
A major issue discussed was the lack of structured interaction between NRBs and Bangladeshi institutions. Creating dedicated platforms for dialogue and collaboration would foster trust and encourage greater engagement. The flow of remittances is largely directed toward real estate with little regulation, and there is a need to channel these funds into more structured investment avenues. The underperformance of Bangladesh’s capital markets over the past decades also requires urgent reform, with NRBs and global investment banks playing a key role in improving governance and introducing new financial instruments.
The discussion highlighted the need for regulatory transformation, as NRBs often face inconsistent and unclear requirements. Strengthening governance and eliminating corruption were emphasized as critical steps in enhancing investor confidence. Encouraging NRBs to invest in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) could drive economic growth, and financial institutions should develop specialized investment products for them. Additionally, outdated government websites create confusion for NRBs, and keeping them updated with comprehensive and accurate information is necessary.
NRBs bring valuable global perspectives and ideas, but Bangladesh currently lacks a centralized platform to facilitate and guide their investments. Developing a credible, transparent investment platform with financial tools and resources would significantly enhance trust and efficiency. Before seeking investment, Bangladesh must also conduct a self-assessment of its economic and intellectual capacity to present an honest and clear narrative to NRBs. The country has not yet fully leveraged the potential of development capital, and NRBs can act as a bridge by connecting local businesses with global investors, venture capitalists, and financial institutions. Their involvement in modernizing infrastructure and fostering sustainable growth would be instrumental in positioning Bangladesh as a competitive investment hub.
KEYNOTE SESSION 3: Intelligent Bangladesh: Leading the Gen-AI Revolution
The keynote session, delivered by Shariar Pavel, Chief Experience Officer at Huawei Consumer Business Group, UAE, and CIP 2025 (NRB), Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, emphasized the crucial role of Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) in shaping Bangladesh’s technological and economic future through innovation, expertise, and global insights.
A key theme was the influence of global narratives on the younger generation, particularly how Hollywood ideals shape their perceptions of freedom, trust, and justice. The need to shift from passive idolization of these narratives to critical thinking and practical application was highlighted as essential for national progress. The session underscored the importance of leveraging technology, especially Generative AI (Gen AI), to engage Gen Alpha and prepare them for global competitiveness. Consistent technology adoption, even in small steps, was identified as the key to building a sustainable future.
AI’s transformative potential across industries was explored, with examples such as AI-driven fashion design and digital customer service, which can lower costs and improve efficiency. The increasing screen time of younger generations was discussed as an opportunity to guide them toward skill development in AI and other digital fields. The vision for Bangladesh’s urban transformation into smart cities was emphasized, advocating for the integration of ICT to enhance governance, urban services, and quality of life. The implementation of a national digital identity system, similar to the UAE’s model, was proposed to modernize governance, alongside the introduction of a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system for crisis communication and public safety.
As AI is projected to drive a 10% growth in the global technology sector, Bangladesh must actively participate in this revolution to remain competitive. The keynote concluded with a call to action for policymakers, NRBs, and the younger generation to collaborate in fostering AI-driven progress, critical thinking, and smart infrastructure development, ensuring a future-ready and technologically advanced Bangladesh.
PANEL DISCUSSION 3: Fostering Innovation at the Grassroots: Leveraging NRBs for Inclusive Tech Growth
The panel discussion was moderated by Mohammad Oli Ahad, Founder of Enterprise Tech Limited. The panelists included Dr. Syed Muntasir Mamun, Chief Innovation Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Bangladesh; MD. Rezaul Hassan, Chief Executive Officer of REVE Chat, Singapore; Ehsanul Islam, Vice President of Engineering & Managing Director, SEA Australia and New Zealand at Qualcomm; and Arshad Parvez, Director of Technology, Cloud Platform & AI ASEAN, Asia Pacific at Oracle Singapore. The discussion focused on the potential of Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) in driving inclusive technological growth, strengthening governance, and fostering grassroots innovation in Bangladesh.
Despite having numerous policies, Bangladesh faces a disconnect in how individuals interact with the government, making it difficult for citizens to take ownership of governance processes. The panelists emphasized the importance of bridging this gap to create an inclusive and trusted system. Many NRBs and entrepreneurs have a strong emotional connection with their homeland, yet the absence of structured mechanisms prevents their effective engagement. Developing stronger networks and platforms can enable Bangladesh to utilize the skills and expertise of NRBs in governance, decision-making, and policy innovation. The panel proposed incorporating NRBs into the state framework to leverage their global insights for national development.
The discussion highlighted the revenue imbalance within the country, with Dhaka and Chattogram contributing over 85% of tax revenues while other regions remain financially excluded. Expanding financial inclusion to underrepresented areas was considered crucial for balanced economic growth. Another major concern was the need for AI adoption and education. The panelists proposed crash courses to educate citizens on AI technologies to maintain competitiveness and suggested investing $5 billion in chipsets and computational resources to support AI-driven initiatives. They emphasized the importance of government-backed projects to streamline investments and provide security to NRBs, showcasing Bangladesh as a lucrative business destination.
Challenges in rural healthcare were also addressed, particularly the difficulty of retaining skilled doctors in remote areas. AI-powered diagnostics were proposed as a solution to improve healthcare access, reduce medication costs, and offer affordable treatments. However, Bangladesh currently lacks a centralized diagnostic data bank, which limits AI’s potential in healthcare. The panelists advocated for building a nationwide healthcare data system to drive efficiency and innovation in the sector. Limited access to mentorship in rural areas was another critical issue, as it prevents young talent from thriving. Institutions like Bangladesh Brand Forum (BBF) were recommended as intermediaries to connect NRBs with local initiatives, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
The panelists emphasized the need for improved digital and physical connectivity, especially in rural areas. Strengthening Bangladesh’s fiber-optic infrastructure was deemed essential for maximizing the benefits of 5G and transitioning to more advanced networks. Gaps in digital literacy were also discussed, with recommendations to implement vocational training programs to equip people with the necessary skills to navigate and use digital tools effectively. AI should be seen as a tool for empowerment rather than a replacement for human jobs. Equipping individuals with foundational programming skills, such as Python, can enable them to work alongside AI rather than being displaced by it.
Public-private collaborations were encouraged to introduce advanced technologies and secure funding for large-scale innovation. NRBs, through their professional networks and expertise, can play a pivotal role in fostering these collaborations. Cloud technology was highlighted as a powerful catalyst for innovation, reducing resource barriers and making technology accessible to startups and small enterprises. AI’s potential in agriculture was also discussed, with panelists advocating for the integration of AI-driven tools to increase productivity and improve the livelihoods of farmers.
The session concluded with a strong emphasis on grassroots empowerment, calling for free training programs and digital resources to prepare individuals for the technological future. NRBs were identified as key players in Bangladesh’s development through thought leadership, investment opportunities, and corporate advocacy. By leveraging their global platforms and influence, NRBs can encourage multinational corporations to invest in Bangladesh, bringing in resources and expertise that can drive sustainable economic and technological growth.
PANEL DISCUSSION 4: Crafting a Cohesive Narrative: Aligning Public and Private Efforts for Bangladesh’s Nation Brand
The panel discussion moderated by Ashraf Bin Taj, Co-founder & Managing Director of IDC Bangladesh PLC., included Prof. Dr. Syed Ferhat Anwar, Vice Chancellor of BRAC University and Immediate Past President of the Asia Marketing Federation; Ashikur Rahman, Consultant at The World Bank, USA; Prof. Imran Rahman, Vice Chancellor of the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh; Kamal Quadir, Founder & CEO of bKash Ltd.; Sylvana Q. Sinha, Founder & CEO of Praava Health; and Abdullah Hil Rakib, Managing Director of Team Group. The discussion focused on the critical role of nation branding in shaping Bangladesh’s global image, the engagement of Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs), and the alignment of public and private efforts to create a unified and strategic branding approach.
NRBs often face uncertainty about their roles and incentives to engage with Bangladesh. The panel emphasized the importance of providing them with a clear and actionable pathway. Nation branding is fundamentally about making and keeping promises, and for Bangladesh, this requires prioritizing its people—especially NRBs—as ambassadors. However, these ambassadors must be equipped with a well-structured and consistent narrative to represent the nation effectively. Bangladesh has one of the largest national university systems in the world, with 2.6 million students, presenting a vast opportunity for technological innovation and youth engagement. Leveraging this demographic could play a significant role in reshaping Bangladesh’s global image and positioning.
The role of media in branding was discussed, with panelists highlighting the importance of amplifying positive stories about Bangladesh while avoiding over-repetition. They stressed that political agendas should not interfere with nation-branding efforts, as such influence could dilute credibility and authenticity. Bangladesh is at a crucial juncture in its economic growth, but hesitation remains about transitioning into a more advanced economy. A unified commitment from all sectors—public and private—is essential to propel the nation forward. The country’s global awareness remains limited despite its largely homogeneous society. Effective positioning is necessary to counteract negative or alternative narratives that may overshadow progress.
The panel emphasized that branding efforts must be precise, focusing on specific sectors such as tourism, healthcare, and investment banking. Given the country’s limited resources, a well-planned, long-term branding strategy spanning five to ten years is necessary to ensure sustainability. The engagement of NRBs was highlighted as crucial in combating disinformation and amplifying positive narratives abroad. Embassies and diplomatic missions should actively equip NRBs with cohesive messaging to present a unified image of Bangladesh. However, branding is a gradual process that requires consistency. Negative visuals—such as corruption and political unrest—continue to shape global perceptions and need to be addressed through both messaging and action.
Nation branding cannot rely on narratives alone; concrete actions and structural reforms must support the messaging. The panelists emphasized that improving the ease of doing business in Bangladesh is essential for credibility. Nation branding is a strategic process that requires identifying and promoting unique differentiators to attract investments and talent. Despite abundant opportunities for investment, the country suffers from a confidence deficit rather than a shortage of capital. Proper utilization of resources and fostering investor confidence can help bridge this gap. Branding efforts should be customer-focused, understanding what makes Bangladesh unique compared to competing global opportunities.
Healthcare was highlighted as a major sector that could serve as a branding opportunity. Bangladesh has the potential to develop a world-class healthcare system that offers financial and service-oriented prospects. Learning from successful companies like ACME, which maintains a cooperative relationship with the government, can provide a model for balancing public-private collaboration. NRBs from countries like India and Pakistan actively promote their nations, and Bangladeshi NRBs can do the same if provided with the right tools and narratives. Creating unique offerings tailored to global markets can help Bangladesh carve out a stronger presence in global brand positioning.
Transforming Bangladesh’s narrative requires investment across the government, public, and private sectors to build capacity and infrastructure. Labor force development was discussed as a critical factor in strengthening the national brand. Bangladesh must focus on upskilling its workforce and creating incentives for NRBs to contribute financially or through skill-sharing initiatives. The panelists also emphasized the potential for attracting foreign students, which could significantly contribute to Bangladesh’s global brand. Simplifying documentation processes and improving institutional frameworks are necessary steps to position Bangladesh as an emerging destination for international education.
Partners
NRB Conclave 2024, Presented by Prime Bank PLC, Powered by bKash and Team Group BD, is an initiative of Bangladesh Brand Forum. Knowledge partner – Marketing Society of Bangladesh (MSB); Academic Partner – BBF Academy; Innovation Partner – Bangladesh Innovation Conclave; PR Partner – Backpage PR.
