NRB Remittance Rescued Economy After July Crisis: CA

The speaker, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, spoke at the event titled "NRB Connect Day: Empowering Global Bangladeshis," which was held at the New York Marriott Marquis (1535 Broadway), Manhattan, New York.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has lauded the role of non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs), saying their remittances played a decisive role in rescuing the country’s economy in the aftermath of the July uprising.

“Our economy had fallen to the bottom. It was your remittances that kept it afloat and strengthened it,” Prof Yunus said at the “NRB Connect Day: Empowering Global Bangladeshis” held at the New York Marriott Marquis in Manhattan.

Expressing optimism about Bangladesh’s future, he highlighted the country’s demographic dividend, urging foreign firms to relocate factories to Bangladesh and make it a global production hub. He also assured NRBs that their voting rights would be ensured in the next general elections.

Stressing the importance of regional cooperation, Prof Yunus said opening Bangladesh’s seaports to Nepal, Bhutan, and India’s northeastern states would create mutual benefits. He added that Cox’s Bazar-Matarbari is ready for a deep seaport and underscored the need to tap into gas reserves in the Bay of Bengal.

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury presented an economic overview, noting that inflation and reserves had stabilised while foreign direct investment doubled within a year. He credited NRBs with playing a key role in post-uprising recovery.

Panel sessions at the event focused on harnessing the diaspora as a national asset. Speakers including Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, BNP leader Humayun Kabir, Jamaat leader Mohammad Nakibur Rahman, and NCP’s Dr Tasnim Jara stressed inclusive development, youth involvement, and women’s participation.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, and NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossen also addressed the gathering.

The day-long event featured plenary sessions, launch of the “Shubheccha App,” and interactive platforms enabling NRBs to share experiences, raise concerns, and shape future initiatives.

Designed as a bridge between policymakers and the diaspora, NRB Connect Day brought together Bangladeshis from diverse fields—business, academia, healthcare, technology, and social development—strengthening ties for long-term socio-economic impact.