UAE-based Bangladeshi entrepreneurs seek govt support for Tk1,000cr investment

Bangladeshi businesspeople and entrepreneurs living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are interested in investing around Tk1,000 crore in Bangladesh, provided the government supports them with necessary approvals, land or lease arrangements, infrastructure and investment protection.

Members of the Bangladesh Commercially Important Person (CIP)-Business Association disclosed the plan at a press conference at the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) auditorium today.

Association Member Secretary Mohammad Selim Uddin said the proposed investments would focus on digital and AI-based Islamic banking, dry food processing and packaging, e-rental services, solar panels and renewable energy, tourism, education and healthcare.

The association also said it was willing to assist, if requested by the government, in keeping the four UAE branches of Janata Bank operational amid capital shortages.

The business representatives also raised concerns about longstanding visa-related difficulties faced by Bangladeshi workers in the UAE.

They said Bangladeshi workers have been unable to change employers within the UAE for around 12 years, creating uncertainty over their employment and livelihoods. They called for high-level discussions between the two governments to restore the facility.

They also said thousands of Bangladeshis have become stranded in Bangladesh following recent visa cancellations, despite having jobs, businesses and families in the UAE.

The representatives urged the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prepare a list of affected individuals and engage with UAE authorities to facilitate their return.

The association proposed appointing skilled and experienced officials at Bangladesh's embassy and consulate, introducing a 24-hour emergency helpline and digital complaint system, and establishing expatriate support cells in coordination with local authorities.

The group presented 15 proposals at the press conference. These included resolving visa problems, providing language and skills training before departure, issuing expatriate cards, educating workers about local laws, bringing the bodies of deceased expatriates home at government expense, improving healthcare access, increasing remittance incentives, reducing airfares and strengthening protection for expatriates' assets and investments.

They also called for easier access to loans and insurance and emergency assistance for Bangladeshis in the Middle East during crises.

The representatives said expatriates should be viewed not only as a source of remittances but also as economic partners, investors and contributors to development.

Association Convener Mohammad Rubel said they had discussed the proposals with the state minister for foreign affairs and the expatriates' welfare minister.

He said the government had agreed with them on the issues and assured them that the problems would be resolved soon.