Councilor Shibley Alam, Civic Mayor of Tameside Council of Manchester in England, paid a courtesy call on Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon at his Secretariat office on sunday. Photo: PID

DHAKA, April 19, 2026 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today urged Bangladeshi expatriates to be more actively involved in the journey of the country's sustainable development.

He made the call when Councilor Shibley Alam, Civic Mayor of Tameside Council of Manchester in England, paid a courtesy call on him at his Secretariat office here this morning.

Swapon said Bangladeshi expatriates are invaluable assets of the country as their knowledge, talent and hard work are strengthening the country's economy.

Mentioning that England is the birthplace of modern democracy, he said Bangladeshis living there for a long time are not only contributing to Bangladesh's economy through remittances but are also playing a positive role in its democratic progress and enhancing the country's image abroad.

During the meeting, Councilor Shibley Alam highly appreciated the significant progress of women's empowerment in Bangladesh.

The councilor expressed hope that Bangladeshi women would play a more leading role at all levels of society and the state, including economic development, in the future.           

Shibley Alam also expressed interest in working with Bangladesh in the future to improve women's healthcare and ensure their legal and social rights.

The minister and the councilor expressed optimism about further strengthening Bangladesh-United Kingdom relations.