DHAKA, June 28, 2026 (BSS) - Oxfam today launched "Bridge to Bangladesh," a 
first-of-its-kind digital platform aimed at connecting the global Bangladeshi 
diaspora with the country's development priorities by facilitating knowledge 
exchange, investment linkages, mentorship and professional collaboration.

The digital platform, comprising a website and mobile application, was 
formally launched at a function in the capital attended by senior government 
officials, representatives of civil society and international organisations, 
diaspora leaders and journalists.

Developed by Oxfam in Bangladesh, the platform seeks to engage more than 2.4 
million Bangladeshis living abroad by enabling them to contribute knowledge, 
skills, innovation, advocacy, philanthropy, mentorship and investment 
linkages through verified organisations and individuals in Bangladesh.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Secretary (Bilateral - East & West) of 
the foreign ministry Dr. Nazrul Islam said members of the Bangladeshi 
diaspora are keen to contribute to the country's development, but sustained 
engagement requires greater trust and stronger institutional support.

He said the government's long-awaited diaspora policy is now in its final 
stage and is expected to receive approval soon.

Highlighting the need for reforms, Dr. Islam said many expatriate 
Bangladeshis and foreign investors remain interested in investing in 
Bangladesh but often face obstacles stemming from a lack of trust, inadequate 
government services and weak institutional connectivity.

"Many investors are coming to Bangladesh. But they could not invest here 
because of a trust deficit. And also, they could not connect really and also 
did not get that much facility or service from different entities of the 
government. Therefore, deregulation and the reform of government services are 
essential for increasing transparency," he said.

He stressed the importance of regulatory reforms, improved transparency and 
more effective facilitation through Bangladesh's overseas missions to 
encourage greater diaspora participation.

Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Md. 
Mokhtar Ahmed said the initiative complements the government's ongoing 
efforts to strengthen engagement with the Bangladeshi diaspora and could 
significantly support the implementation of the forthcoming diaspora policy.

"Once the connection is well established, it can bring about revolutionary 
change," he said.

Joining the programme virtually, British lawmaker Apsana Begum and Chair of 
the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on Bangladesh, said the Bangladeshi 
diaspora has consistently stood beside the country during national crises, 
humanitarian emergencies and major political transitions.

She expressed hope that the platform would provide a practical avenue for 
British Bangladeshis and other overseas communities to contribute their 
expertise and experience to Bangladesh's development.

"The Bangladeshi diaspora has always been beside Bangladesh during national 
crises, natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies and moments of 
significant political and social change," she said.

The British lawmaker added, "British Bangladeshis were born and raised in the 
UK. Just like me, who wants to contribute to supporting development and 
policy in Bangladesh. So, I believe and hope that the platform launched will 
be very useful. I firmly believe that Bridge to Bangladesh can offer that 
pathway."

Oxfam in Bangladesh Country Director Ashish Damle, in his welcome address, 
described the initiative as a collective national vision rather than an Oxfam 
project.

He said the platform has the potential to transform the global narrative 
about Bangladesh-from a country seeking assistance to one contributing 
knowledge, expertise and innovation to the world.

Among others, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Bangladesh Chief 
of Mission Dr. Laura Tomm-Bonde, Daffodil Group Founder and Chairman Sabur 
Khan, International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Director Max Tu  n and 
ActionAid Bangladesh Country Director Farah Kabir attended the programme.

The event also featured a presentation by Oxfam in Bangladesh Head of 
Influencing, Communications, Advocacy and Media Md. Sariful Islam, who 
highlighted the platform's development journey from concept to 
implementation.

Associate Professor of Urban Design at the University of Sheffield Dr. Tanzil 
Shafique shared findings from the research underpinning the platform's 
design, while the programme was moderated by Oxfam's Head of Economic 
Inclusion and Justice Fatema Tuz Johoora.

According to Oxfam, the platform is the outcome of a two-year research 
initiative conducted between June 2024 and June 2026, which included a global 
survey of Bangladeshi diaspora members across 12 countries, consultations 
with international experts, analysis of 11 diaspora engagement platforms 
worldwide and workshops involving non-governmental organisations and civil 
society representatives.

The research identified trust, credibility, verification and effective 
matchmaking as the key pillars for meaningful diaspora engagement.

As Bangladesh prepares for graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) 
category, the platform aims to transform diaspora engagement beyond 
remittances by connecting overseas academics, entrepreneurs, healthcare 
professionals, technology experts and innovators with verified organisations 
in Bangladesh.

The platform offers verified user profiles, smart matchmaking, mentorship 
opportunities, community forums and impact-tracking tools, allowing diaspora 
members and local institutions to collaborate transparently through knowledge 
sharing, advocacy, professional networking and development initiatives.