mCapital launches $1b fund to channel NRB investment into Bangladesh
The initiative will use three specialised funds to mobilise diaspora capital for financial services, distressed assets and healthcare.
mCapital Ltd has launched a flagship initiative to mobilise $1 billion from non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) for investment in Bangladesh, aiming to channel diaspora capital, expertise and global networks into productive sectors.
The initiative, titled "Dakchhe Bangladesh" (Bangladesh is Calling), was unveiled at the inaugural "Invest Bangladesh" event in New York on 26 September. The event brought together diaspora entrepreneurs, investors, business professionals and community leaders.
Former chief adviser to the interim government and Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus joined the event and stressed the importance of connecting Bangladesh's young talent and modern technology with social business.
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He called on the diaspora to support initiatives including data centres for rural women, nursing colleges and technology-driven improvements in agricultural productivity.
Ashik Chowdhury, chairman of Invest Bangladesh, highlighted recent developments and structural reforms aimed at attracting foreign direct investment, including the expansion of solar power, modernisation of port logistics, new airport infrastructure and development of economic zones.
He also encouraged diaspora investors to visit Bangladesh and explore investment opportunities in the country.
Dr Ahsan H Mansur, chairman of mCapital and former governor of Bangladesh Bank, said the initiative aims to transform remittances into productive assets by enabling diaspora investors to own profitable, regulated assets in their own names.
The $1 billion framework will be channelled through three funds. The Financial Services Fund will focus on fintech expansion, banking reforms and Shariah-compliant digital banking.
The Distressed Asset Management Fund will focus on resolving and recovering non-performing and distressed assets, while the Healthcare Impact Fund will invest in healthcare infrastructure, hospitals, HealthCare City and digital healthcare through the Shukhee Platform in collaboration with Grameen.
The funds will operate under domestic and international legal frameworks, with independent advisory oversight and a two-year lock-in period. BRAC Bank will serve as trustee and custodian.
mCapital plans to take the initiative to NRB communities in 100 cities worldwide as part of its effort to mobilise diaspora investment.
Mansur described "Dakchhe Bangladesh" as a call for change, saying the initiative seeks to combine diaspora capital, global networks and expertise to help position Bangladesh as a technology-driven, high-value investment destination.
mCapital Ltd is a private equity firm based in Banani, Dhaka. It is chaired by former Bangladesh Bank governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur and focuses on mobilising diaspora and domestic capital for investment in productive sectors.
