President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on expatriate Bangladeshi businesspeople living abroad to invest in the country and to help bring in foreign investment.
He made the appeal Thursday afternoon during a courtesy meeting at Bangabhaban with a delegation of UK-based expatriate Bangladeshis. The delegation was led by UK businessman Kamal Uddin. They congratulated Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on his election as president.
The president gratefully recalled the outstanding contributions of expatriates in the UK and other countries, in money, labor and expertise, to the movement to establish justice, oppose authoritarianism and restore democracy in Bangladesh. He said the nation would always remember this contribution.
During the meeting, the UK-based Bangladeshi delegation sought the president’s support in addressing harassment at airports, voting rights, and expanding various business and civic facilities.
In response, the president said the government has already begun work on reducing airport harassment, expanding expatriates’ voting opportunities, and increasing various civic facilities. He said the government has introduced an expatriate card to ensure comprehensive services and facilities for expatriates.
The president called on expatriates to become more involved in investment, job creation, education, health, technology, skills development and social welfare activities in the country. He specifically urged expatriates to take advantage of the investment opportunities that have opened up in Bangladesh. Responding to the president’s appeal, the delegation expressed interest in investing in the country.
The president also said: “You represent Bangladesh in countries around the world. You will present a positive image of the country abroad.” Describing remittances from expatriates as one of the main driving forces of the country’s economy, the president expressed gratitude to expatriates.