The first ever convention of NRB engineers is going to be held in Dhaka later this month to better integrate the overseas Bangladeshi professionals into the development process of the country.
Bridge 2 Bangladesh (B2B) - a US-based platform of non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) around the world - is organising the event in collaboration with the Economic Relations Division (ERD), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, A2i, Cabinet Division, ICT Division and others.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the two-day event to be held on February 26-27 at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital. Finance Minister A H M Mustafa Kamal is expected to chair the inaugural session.
The event comes at a time when there is a growing consensus about turning the country's 'brain drain into brain gain', the organisers said.
Starting in the 1960s, millions of Bangladeshis have moved abroad over the decades in search for better economic and professional opportunities.
It is estimated that around 10 million Bangladeshis are now living in as many as 162 countries of the world.
Remittance sent by the NRBs has played an important role in the country's recent economic boom.
In FY18, remittance stood 5.50 per cent of the country's GDP, 40.86 per cent of total export earnings and 27.51 per cent of import payments, according to official statistics.
However, it has also been observed that mass migration of skilled and highly educated Bangladeshi professionals and experts including engineers is, in many ways, causing virtual brain drain for the country.
In addition, it has also been pointed out that NRBs could also contribute in terms of investment and expertise.
"Bangladesh is growing at a phenomenal speed and there is an acute shortage of experts and engineers in many fields," said Shaun Chowdhury, Vice Chairman of B2B, the main organiser of the event.
"This convention will set the stage for a professional matchmaking between the NRB engineers and the various engineering and technical fields in Bangladesh," he added.
Earlier, with a view to mobilise financial and technical support from the NRBs, the ERD set up a separate web portal for the NRBs.
"Through this portal, NRBs can submit their development proposals," said ERD Secretary Monowar Ahmed. "They can contribute in terms of philanthropy, investment or expert affiliation by using this portal."
Meanwhile, the event is expected to be attended by some of the top NRB engineers and technical professionals who would share their knowledge and expertise on some latest technological themes and their relevance in the context of Bangladesh.
Around 150 NRB engineers and experts from around 30 countries will attend the convention that would feature several technical sessions themed on the latest issues in the technology world like cyber security, artificial intelligence, software testing, chip designing, mobile healthcare and mechatronics.
There will also be presentations and discussions on the themes related to urban commuting, transportation and communication, energy and power sector developments as well as river system restoration and development.
© 2024 - All Rights with The Financial Express
