Engage in politics of host nations

Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain yesterday urged Bangladeshi expatriates to engage in the politics of their host countries instead of the politics back home.

“This is our path, if we want to be influential globally,” he said while inaugurating an NRB [non-resident Bangladeshi] conference on Bangladesh branding at a hotel in the capital.

“If NRBs hold important positions in their host countries, it will create a strong brand image for Bangladesh worldwide,” he added.

Citing the example of the Indian diaspora, Touhid said, Indians achieved significant global influence by securing crucial positions in governments and political bodies in different countries, especially in Western ones.

The foreign adviser remarked that Bangladesh’s political parties are among the largest in the world, with widespread branches across numerous countries.

“Have you seen people from any other country gathering at airports in foreign lands to chant slogans against someone?” he asked rhetorically.

Such actions, he said, damage Bangladesh’s image abroad. “You never see Indians doing such things. Why do Indians enjoy various benefits abroad while we do not? Because we are less involved in local politics,” he added.

“Branding is essential, and the way forward is through involvement in local politics.”

Touhid also pointed out that Indians secured influential positions in international media, a goal Bangladeshi NRBs should aspire to achieve.

The foreign adviser urged NRBs to counter false propaganda against Bangladesh in the international arena especially in Indian media, particularly narratives suggesting a war-like situation or minority-targeted violence in the country.

“Some incidents have occurred, but they were not aimed at minorities due to their religious identity. If 10 houses were attacked, eight of them were owned by Muslims.”

He called on expatriates to actively combat misinformation and disinformation about Bangladesh.

Touhid also stressed the importance of reducing migration costs and improving the skills of Bangladeshi workers, including language proficiency.

“We can double our remittance, if we make our workforce more skilled.”

He assured that the interim government is committed to addressing issues at Dhaka airport, including harassment of passengers.

“We are determined to bring those responsible for such harassment to justice.”

Touhid praised Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers for their significant contributions to enhancing the country’s image globally.

“We need to enhance our positive image. Our peacekeepers have built a strong image for us in Africa. These are positive images. On the other hand, when we cross the Mediterranean Sea [for illegal migration], our image is tarnished,” he said.

Regarding the foreign investment, he hoped that once the electoral roadmap is in place, investors will feel secure, and investments will follow. “The electoral roadmap will come soon,” he added.

At the conference, Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur stated that the interim government has addressed many of the past weaknesses.

He highlighted that remittance has increased by an average of 26 percent over the past six months, amounting to $3 billion during this time.

Besides, he said, exports have reached $2.5 billion.

Speaker of London’s Tower Hamlets Barrister Saif Uddin Khaled said that NRBs in the UK are always by the side of the Bangladesh people.

“We have a debt of blood to Bangladesh. When harm befalls in Bangladesh, we roar in London. When you are hurt, we feel the pain. Your sorrow moves our hearts.”

President of the Bankers’ Association Abdul Hai Sarkar expressed concern over the frequent disputes and conflicts involving expatriates abroad, calling it an unfortunate situation that needs to be addressed.

Former Commander of the UN Peacekeeping Force, Major General (retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar highlighted the army’s vital role in enhancing Bangladesh’s global image, attributing this to their discipline and clean record.

“Moreover, there are no allegations of sexual harassment against them (Bangladeshi peacekeepers). They could be further involved to boost the country’s trade”, he added.

The conference was organised by the Center for Non-Resident Bangladeshis, with its chairperson, MS Shekil Chowdhury, presiding over the event.