Bangladesh Remittance Fair in NY calls for investment beyond remittances

The 4th Bangladesh Remittance Fair-2025 concluded in New York yesterday (22 April), underscoring the crucial role of Bangladeshi immigrants in bolstering the national economy through both legal remittance channels and direct investment opportunities. 

The two-day event, held at the LaGuardia Airport Marriott Hotel, was formally opened by Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB) Chairman Abdul Hai Sarkar.

He highlighted the importance of sending remittances on this occasion through official channels and urged the diaspora to actively invest in Bangladesh's growing economy.

The United States remains one of the top remittance-sending countries for Bangladesh. In recent years, remittance flows through legal banking channels have increased significantly, bolstering the national economy.

Now in its fourth edition, the fair was organised to sustain and enhance this positive trend.

The inaugural ceremony was presided over by economist Dr Ziauddin Ahmed and hosted by Dr Birupaksha Paul. Prominent bankers who participated in the event included Bank Asia Chairman Romo Rouf Chowdhury, Exim Bank Chairman Md. Nazrul Islam Swapan, and SBAC Bank Chairman Engineer Mokhlesur Rahman.

Citizens Bank Chairman Chowdhury Mohammad Hanif Shoaib, Mercantile Exchange House (UK) Limited Chairman M Amanullah, and NCC Bank Vice Chairman Abdus Salam, along with other top officials of Bangladeshi banks and international money exchange organisations, also attended the event.

In a show of solidarity, the New York State Senate passed a resolution recognising the occasion of the Remittance Fair. 

Addressing the gathering, Republican city mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa lauded the contributions of Bangladeshi immigrants from both the United States and Bangladesh and called for a stronger social and economic standing for the community in America.