Dhaka: Non-Resident Bangladeshi (NRB) Commercially Important Persons (CIPs) and business leaders residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have committed to a prospective investment of Tk 1,000 crore in Bangladesh. They are urging immediate governmental intervention to resolve persistent visa complexities and ensure the protection of expatriate rights.
According to United News of Bangladesh, this proposal and set of demands were unveiled by the Bangladesh CIP-Business Association at a press conference held at the Economic Reporters' Forum (ERF) auditorium in Dhaka. Earlier in the day, the delegation met with Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ariful Haque Choudhury and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obayed. They are also scheduled to engage with high officials of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) to discuss the investment environment, regulatory approvals, and infrastructure support.
Mohammad Rubel CIP, speaking on behalf of the delegation, emphasized that expatriates are not solely remittance contributors but are also active investment partners in national development. The association highlighted key sectors for the Tk 1,000 crore investment, including digital and AI-based Islamic banking, dry food processing and packaging industries, solar energy and renewable power projects, tourism, healthcare and education, and tech-enabled e-rental services.
The business leaders stressed that the quick realization of these projects is contingent upon government guarantees regarding streamlined approvals, land allocation or long-term lease facilities, investment security, and one-stop service execution.
In addressing visa complications, the delegation pointed out severe labor issues in the UAE, noting that Bangladeshi workers have been deprived of internal employer transfers for nearly 12 years, threatening thousands of livelihoods. Recent visa cancellations have stranded many UAE-based Bangladeshi workers and entrepreneurs at home, jeopardizing their jobs and family stability abroad.
To tackle these issues, the association has made specific requests to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Expatriate Welfare Ministry. These include compiling a comprehensive list of stranded workers, initiating high-level diplomatic talks with the UAE government, appointing skilled and non-political officials in Bangladesh embassies and consulates, and establishing emergency hotlines and expatriate support cells.
The CIP association also presented a 15-point charter of demands to the Prime Minister through the designated ministries. This charter advocates for mandatory pre-departure language and skills training, issuance of "Prohashi Cards" for expatriates, government-funded repatriation of deceased workers, enhanced remittance incentives, affordable airfares, and dedicated emergency assistance funds for Middle East crises.
Among the speakers at the press conference were Md. Nazrul Islam CIP, Mohammad Salim Uddin CIP, Mohammad Monjurul Haque CIP, Mohammad Shamsuzzaman CIP, Mohammad Shafiqul Islam Rahi CIP, Mohammad Najim Uddin CIP, businessman Mahmudul Hasan, Keramat Ullah Biplob, businessman Mohammad Enamul Haque, and Shibly Al Sadik.