Move to integrate NRBs into nat'l dev process

The government has initiated a process to integrate non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) into the national development process effectively, officials said.

To this end, an 11-member high-powered taskforce has been formed to draw up a strategy and recommend necessary action plan.

Additional Secretary (United Nations) of the Economic Relations Division (ERD) has been made convener of the taskforce comprising representatives of different entities, including the Prime Minister's Office and FBCCI.

Principal secretary, principal coordinator of the PMO and ERD secretary will be made advisers to the taskforce.

Besides, representatives of different state agencies, including social welfare ministry, primary and mass education ministry, information and communication technology division, secondary and higher education division, technical and madrasah education division, health services division, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) and The Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority (BEPZA), will be inducted into the taskforce as associate members, according to ERD.

The taskforce will be abolished after establishing an institutional structure for the NRBs.

Contacted, a deputy secretary of the ERD said, "The taskforce will recommend necessary action plan designed to further increase the participation of NRBs in national development activities."

The government wants to set up a separate institution to provide support to the NRBs, he added.

The taskforce will also take up and implement various programmes for the NRBs, he said. The ERD issued a circular regarding the taskforce on March 01.

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