'Bridge to Bangladesh' taps diaspora to shape nation's future: Envoy

A new initiative titled 'Bridge to Bangladesh' was launched in London yesterday (24 May), aiming to strengthen collaboration between the UK-based Bangladeshi diaspora and Bangladesh's development efforts.

"Our diaspora has done more than sending money home. They've built communities, shaped narratives, and stood by Bangladesh in every crisis. Bridge to Bangladesh recognises their power to now co-author its future," said Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Abida Islam.

The British Bangladeshi diaspora is one of the most established and influential globally and both the UK diaspora and Oxfam joined hands for Bangladesh development.

With over 650,000 people across the UK, and a rising presence in politics, business, and academia, the British Bangladeshi diaspora is one of the most influential diaspora communities in the world.

Concentrated in areas such as Tower Hamlets, Birmingham and Luton, the community includes policy makers, politicians, entrepreneurs, academics, cultural icons, healthcare professionals, and public leaders.

It contributes more than $1.5 billion annually in remittances to Bangladesh, making the UK the second-highest source after the United States.

The platform 'Bridge to Bangladesh' aims to channel diaspora resources, skills, investments and advocacy into Bangladesh's national priorities, including climate resilience, gender equality, humanitarian actions and inclusive growth.

The event brought together policymakers, diplomats, diaspora leaders, parliamentarians, academics, development experts, and second-generation changemakers in an effort to move beyond emotional ties and remittances.

The event highlighted that diaspora engagement must now evolve.

According to Oxfam and expert speakers, Bangladesh lacks a robust framework to tap into the full potential of its global citizens.

The newly launched Bridge to Bangladesh platform aims to fill that gap, they said.

Baroness Pola Uddin, member of the House of Lords, UK, praised the initiative as "a timely structure for collective ambition," and stressed that the diaspora is not an extension of Bangladesh—it is a part of Bangladesh.

Professor Naomi Hossain of SOAS University of London said development without dignity cannot succeed, and diaspora inclusion must reflect values of equity and respect.

Halima Begum, chief executive of Oxfam GB, reflected: "For over 50 years, Oxfam has stood with Bangladesh in moments of struggle and triumph. Today, we are proud to stand with the diaspora—with people like me, who carry Bangladesh in our hearts even when we are far from it."

Bridge to Bangladesh also seeks to bridge intergenerational divides, inviting second-generation British Bangladeshis.

Designed as a multi-functional ecosystem, the platform will offer diaspora members concrete pathways to engage with Bangladesh—through knowledge exchange, investment matchmaking, youth engagement, diplomacy, and global advocacy.

"This is not just about nostalgia—it's about nation-building," said Ashish Damle, country director of Oxfam in Bangladesh. "The diaspora can offer not only capital, but ideas, networks, and influence. We want to unlock that potential and turn it into sustainable impact."

The event was moderated by Aziz-ur Rahman, patron of Oxfam GB with a presentation from Md Sariful Islam, head of Influencing, Communications, Advocacy & Media (ICAM), Oxfam in Bangladesh.

The participants signed up to join the Bridge to Bangladesh platform. The initiative is now live with a website. Oxfam and its partners are calling on UK-based Bangladeshis—from business owners to students—to take part in this platform.