Roundtable Discussion on Maximising Benefits from International Migration

Roundtable Discussion on Maximising Benefits from International Migration: Bangladeshi Diaspora in Focus

Date: Sunday, 04 January 2026

The Roundtable Discussion on “Maximising Benefits from International Migration: Bangladeshi Diaspora in Focus”, held on Sunday, 04 January 2026, examined the strategic importance of international migration and the Bangladeshi diaspora in advancing national development objectives. The discussion underscored the diaspora’s multifaceted contributions through remittances, skills and knowledge transfer, investment, entrepreneurship, and the promotion of Bangladesh’s image abroad.

Participants noted that while remittance inflows remain a critical pillar of the national economy, Bangladesh has yet to fully leverage the broader developmental potential of its diaspora. Gaps persist in migration governance, institutional coordination, data management, and structured diaspora engagement mechanisms. Particular attention was drawn to challenges related to migrant welfare, safe and regular migration pathways, skills recognition, and the reintegration of returnee migrants.

The roundtable highlighted the need for a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to international migration that aligns labour migration policies with national development strategies. Participants emphasised strengthening diaspora networks, incentivising diaspora investment, facilitating technology and skills transfer, and enhancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation with destination countries. The discussion concluded that evidence-based policymaking, institutional reform, and sustained engagement with the Bangladeshi diaspora are essential to maximising the long-term economic and social benefits of international migration for Bangladesh.