Photo: Collected
The Expatriates’ Welfare Minister has called for building a prosperous and developed Bangladesh by harnessing the talent, labour and investment of expatriates. He made the call at an event titled ‘CIP (NRB) Honours 2026’, organised by the Bangladesh CIP Business Association in the United Arab Emirates.
The minister addressed the event virtually as chief guest. In his words, expatriates are the pride of the country and one of the strengths of its economy. The remittances they send by working hard abroad, leaving behind their families and loved ones, are benefiting lakhs of families in the country and improving their standard of living. The minister, however, believes the role of expatriates does not end with remittances. By running businesses successfully abroad, setting up industrial enterprises and engaging in international trade, they are creating new opportunities for the country.
The minister could not attend the event in person because of the labour situation in the country. Joining virtually, he congratulated and extended greetings to the honoured CIPs and everyone present.
Recalling Bangladesh’s many years of friendship with the United Arab Emirates, he thanked and expressed gratitude to the country’s president, head of government and government. His speech also expressed the hope that trade, investment and mutual cooperation between the two countries would grow further in the days ahead.
The minister also highlighted various initiatives taken by the government for the welfare of expatriates. He said the government has planned to introduce a ‘Probashi Card’ to protect the dignity of expatriates and ensure their proper identification. With the card, expatriates will easily be able to access government services and support.
Addressing the honoured CIPs, the minister said investment should not remain confined to building houses; more investment must go into industrial enterprises, agriculture, tourism, education and health. In this way, new jobs can be created in the country. He also called on them to expand the reach of Bangladeshi products in overseas markets, help the government by informing it of the demand for workers abroad, and get involved in social development work.
The minister advised expatriates to abide by the laws of their respective countries so that none of their actions tarnish the country’s image. Thanking the Bangladesh CIP Business Association for making the event a success, he again expressed hope that a prosperous and developed Bangladesh can be built by harnessing the talent, labour and investment of expatriates.
Md Abu Sufian, MP for Chattogram-9; Mohammad Enamul Haque, MP for Chattogram-12; Dr Enamul Haque, adviser to the BNP chairperson; Tareque Ahmed, ambassador in Abu Dhabi; Dr Abdullah Al Kindi, former UAE cabinet member; and Rashed Uzzaman, consul general in Dubai, were present at the event.
By the numbers
According to Bangladesh Bank data, expatriates sent $2.452 billion from 1 to 26 October 2026, compared with $2.166 billion in the same period of the previous year. Total remittances from 1 July to 26 October of the current fiscal year stood at $11.044 billion, The Financial Express reported on 27 October.
An analysis by Prothom Alo on 21 July showed that in the first 11 months (July–May) of FY2025-26, remittances from the United Arab Emirates totalled $4.28 billion; the country ranked behind only Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom among source countries.
At a glance
An explanation on the website of the Bangladesh High Commission in London says the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment grants CIP status to non-resident Bangladeshis in three categories: highest remittance senders, highest importers of Bangladeshi products and highest investors in Bangladesh. The status is granted for one year.
Sources
Original report: Bangladesh Pratidin
Background sources: The Financial Express, 27 October 2026; Prothom Alo, 21 July 2026; Bangladesh High Commission in London, date not stated
