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Oxfam has launched “Bridge to Bangladesh,” a first-of-its-kind digital platform designed to connect the global Bangladeshi diaspora with the country’s development priorities through knowledge exchange, investment, mentorship and professional collaboration.
The platform, comprising a website and mobile application, was formally unveiled at a ceremony in Dhaka on Sunday attended by senior government officials, representatives of development partners, civil society organisations, diaspora leaders and journalists.
Developed by Oxfam in Bangladesh, the initiative aims to engage more than 2.4 million Bangladeshis living abroad by enabling them to contribute their expertise, innovation, advocacy, philanthropy, mentorship and investment through verified organisations and institutions in Bangladesh.
Speaking at the launch, Foreign Ministry Secretary (Bilateral-East & West) Dr Nazrul Islam said Bangladeshi expatriates are eager to contribute to the country’s development, but stronger institutional support and greater trust are essential to sustain their engagement.
He said the government’s long-awaited Diaspora Policy is now in its final stage and is expected to receive approval soon.
Highlighting existing challenges, Dr Islam said many non-resident Bangladeshis and foreign investors remain interested in investing in the country but often face obstacles due to a lack of transparency, limited institutional coordination and inadequate government services.
“Many investors are coming to Bangladesh, but they often cannot invest because of a trust deficit and difficulties in accessing government services. Regulatory reforms and improved public service delivery are essential to increase transparency and build confidence,” he said.
He also stressed the need to strengthen Bangladesh’s overseas missions so they can play a more effective role in facilitating diaspora engagement and investment.
Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Mokhtar Ahmed said the platform complements the government’s efforts to strengthen ties with overseas Bangladeshis and will support implementation of the upcoming diaspora policy.
“Once the connection is well established, it can bring about revolutionary change,” he said.
Joining the event virtually, British MP Apsana Begum, Chair of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on Bangladesh, said the Bangladeshi diaspora has consistently stood beside the country during national crises, natural disasters and periods of political transition.
She expressed hope that the new platform would provide a practical avenue for British Bangladeshis and other overseas communities to contribute their expertise, experience and professional networks to Bangladesh’s development.
Oxfam in Bangladesh Country Director Ashish Damle described the initiative as a national platform rather than an organisational project, saying it has the potential to reshape global perceptions of Bangladesh.
“This is not simply an Oxfam initiative. It is a collective vision to position Bangladesh as a country that contributes knowledge, innovation and expertise to the world,” he said.
The event also featured a presentation by Oxfam’s Head of Influencing, Communications, Advocacy and Media Md Sariful Islam, who outlined the platform’s development journey, while Dr Tanzil Shafique, Associate Professor of Urban Design at the University of Sheffield, presented research findings that informed its design.
According to Oxfam, the platform is the outcome of a two-year research initiative conducted between June 2024 and June 2026. The study included surveys of Bangladeshi diaspora members across 12 countries, consultations with international experts, reviews of 11 diaspora engagement platforms worldwide and workshops involving civil society organisations.
The research identified trust, credibility, verification and effective matchmaking as the key ingredients for meaningful diaspora engagement.
As Bangladesh prepares to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, the platform seeks to broaden diaspora contributions beyond remittances by linking overseas academics, entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, researchers, technology experts and investors with verified organisations in Bangladesh.
The platform includes verified user profiles, smart matchmaking, mentorship opportunities, community forums and impact-tracking tools to facilitate transparent collaboration, professional networking and development partnerships between overseas Bangladeshis and institutions at home.