Groupings, politics among expatriates tarnish BD’s image abroad: FM

Govt to set up expatriates’ welfare bank soon
Foreign Minister Dipu Moni on Wednesday said groupings and conflicts ‘in the name of politics’ of different overseas political wings have tarnished country’s image abroad in some cases. She also called on all concerned for ending such hostile politicking to uphold the positive image of the nation abroad.
“The government is aware of it and we always emphasize peaceful activities avoiding internal conflicts to ensure good image of Bangladesh around the globe. Even when our Prime Minister visits different countries, she also underscores the need for peaceful activities to regain the lost image,” Dipu Moni said while addressing reporters at a press briefing yesterday.
Talking to journalists in a press conference hosted by Scholars Bangladesh ahead of a conference titled ‘NRB Manpower Development and Opportunities-2009′ scheduled to begin on July 3 in the city, Foreign Minister said, “Anybody can involve himself or herself in politics as per wish, but people must not forget that country’s image is not tarnished by their activities anyway.”
She underlined the importance of a coordinated effort backed by the expatriate Bangladeshis, government and other forums to steer the nation into the desired destination by way of building up a digital and developed Bangladesh by 2021.
“The emergency government ran the country for last two years and after the lapse of two years, through the ninth parliamentary elections, the government has started journey towards a new destination and the present democratic government needs support from all to convert Bangladesh into a Digital and developed Bangladesh to achieve vision 2021,” Dipu Moni added.
Dipu Moni also said the government wants to reduce migration cost, ensure security of the expatriates and skill development of the workforce to send more people abroad.
She said: “An Expatriate Welfare Bank will be set up soon which will ensure security of the earnings of expatriates and it will provide loans to people. As per its pledge the government will take initiatives to set up a bank to protect the interests of expatriates.”
The Foreign Minister said the government is working on developing skill of people who opt to go abroad. “Expatriates can play more pivotal role in country’s economy and uplift their personal living standard. Changes have already taken places in all sectors, more or less, and systematic changes will be brought in sending manpower abroad both for the betterment of the country and workers,” she said.
Dipu Moni said the government is in favor of simplifying expatriates’ investment in their own country. “The government wants it. We’re seeking opinion on it.” She said in response to a query.
She hailed the expatriates for their contribution in building the nation through their dedication, saying that they are working with good image across the globe.
“If we can ensure training for manpower before sending them abroad, they will be able to bring more success for the nation,” she said.

Courtesy of The Bangladesh Today