Non - Resident Bangladeshis (NRBS) are major contributors to the economic development of Bangladesh. The remittances of Bangladeshi workers abroad far exceed the contributions of any other sector, including the garment industry, therefore it is necessary to effectively engage the NRBs in National Development.

Speakers said that in a two-day workshop, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 20-21 October 2018. The workshop titled ‘Engaging Non - Resident Bangladeshis in National Development of Bangladesh’ was organized by Knowledge for Development Management (K4DM) Project of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in association with the Economic Relations Division (ERD) and Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh.

Speaking at the event, Senior Secretary ERD, Kazi Shofikul Azam Economic Relation Division, told the NRBs in Jeddah that despite Bangladesh's formidable achievements in development, the country needs its expatriates to meet future challenges and to achieve the SDGs. “NRBs can work to improve Bangladesh's image and branding abroad” he further said.

The workshop was mainly organized to enhance the relationship with the NRBs in Saudi Arabia and facilitate development efforts.

Ambassador Golam Moshi, was the chief guest of the workshop where representatives from Bangladesh Embassy were also present. The workshop was inaugurated by Nojibur Rahman, Principal secretary to Prime Minister of Bangladesh through video conference. Apart from that, video messages from the Honorable Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, Chief Coordinator for SDG Affairs, Abul Kalam Azad and UNDP Country Director, Sudipto Mukerjee, were also screened during the workshop.

Among others, Dr Kazi Anowarul Hoque, Additional Secretary, ERD and National Project Director Knowledge for Development Management (K4DM) , Dr. Ahmed Munir Salehin, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare & Overseas Employment, Anir Chowdhury, Policy Advisor, A2I Programme, UNDP, Saleha Binte Siraj, Deputy Secretary, ERD, Debashish Chakrabarty, Managing Director, Bangladesh House Building Finance Corporation and Marina Shawkat Ali, UNDP were present in the workshop.