President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday called upon Bangladeshi businesspeople living abroad to invest in the country and bring in foreign investment.
He made the call when a delegation of Bangladeshi expatriates living in the United Kingdom paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban.
Prominent UK-based Bangladeshi businessman Kamal Uddin led the delegation.
They congratulated Mirza Fakhrul Islam on his election as president.
The president recalled the significant contributions made by expatriate Bangladeshis including those living in the UK, through their money, labour and intellect to the movement for establishing justice, opposing fascism and restoring democracy in the country.
“The country and its people will always remember the contributions and role of expatriates,” he said.
During the meeting, the delegation sought the president’s cooperation in increasing various business and civic facilities including addressing harassment at airports and ensuring their right to vote.
In response, the president said the government has already started working to address harassment at airports and expand voting opportunities and other civic facilities for expatriates.
He said a ‘Probashi Card’ has been introduced to ensure comprehensive services and facilities for expatriate Bangladeshis.
The president urged expatriates to become more actively involved in investment, employment generation, education, healthcare, technology, skills development and social welfare activities in the country.
He particularly urged them to take advantage of the investment opportunities that have emerged in Bangladesh.
Responding to the president’s call, the delegation expressed interest in investing in the country.
The president also said, “You are representing Bangladesh in different countries around the world. You should project the country’s positive image abroad.”
Noting that expatriates’ remittances are one of the main driving forces of the country’s economy, the president expressed his gratitude to them.
President’s Military Secretary and Press Secretary were present at the meeting.