By
Quazi M. Ahmed
Founder & President, BOND
In today’s fast-evolving global landscape, knowledge is no longer a luxury it’s a necessity for progress. For developing nations like Bangladesh, development is no longer defined solely by infrastructure or foreign aid, but by the ability to learn, adapt, and grow through the exchange of knowledge. This is where the non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) play a transformative role.
At BOND (Bridging Organization with NRBs for Development), we believe that knowledge sharing is the most powerful, sustainable, and inclusive way to accelerate development. It breaks barriers, builds capacity, and empowers people and institutions to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Why Knowledge Matters More Than Ever
In the past, development models relied heavily on capital, labor, or natural resources. Today, the most valuable resource is human capital and that means knowledge, skills, and the ability to innovate. Bangladesh has a young, energetic population, but to unleash its full potential, we need to equip them with global perspectives, problem-solving abilities, and industry-relevant knowledge.
NRBs around the world are excelling in fields like technology, healthcare, education, finance, engineering, and public policy. Imagine the impact if even a fraction of their knowledge and experience were shared with young professionals, educators, entrepreneurs, and policymakers back home.
The Power of Knowledge Sharing
Knowledge sharing is not just about giving lectures or uploading documents. It’s about building bridges between experience and ambition, between innovation and implementation.
Here’s how it fuels sustainable development:
- Accelerates Learning: When NRBs share their real-world experience, local professionals learn faster than through traditional education alone.
- Builds Local Capacity: From workshops to mentoring programs, shared knowledge strengthens institutions and enhances skills.
- Drives Innovation: Fresh ideas and global best practices brought by NRBs can help solve local problems with more efficient, scalable solutions.
- Fosters Collaboration: Knowledge exchange opens doors for joint ventures, research partnerships, and co-creation between NRBs and Bangladeshi talent.
Why This Is the Future
- Digital Makes It Scalable: With platforms like webinars, online courses, and virtual mentoring, knowledge sharing is easier and more scalable than ever.
- Cost-Effective & Inclusive: Unlike physical infrastructure, shared knowledge costs little but delivers long-term impact especially for youth and rural communities.
- Global Trend: Governments, NGOs, and think tanks across the world are shifting towards knowledge-based development models. Bangladesh must not fall behind.
- Empowers the Diaspora: NRBs want to give back but often don’t know how. Knowledge sharing gives them a meaningful, structured way to contribute.
What BOND Is Doing
At BOND, we are building a Knowledge Exchange Platform to connect NRBs with local change-makers, educators, institutions, and innovators. Our focus areas include:
- Expert-led masterclasses and panel discussions
- Mentorship programs for students and young professionals
- Collaborative research and policy dialogue
- Access to case studies, toolkits, and insights across sectors
The Call to Action
Knowledge sharing is not charity it’s a catalyst. It’s how we co-create a smarter, stronger Bangladesh, powered by the wisdom of its global citizens. If you are an NRB or a knowledge-seeker in Bangladesh, join BOND in shaping a future where development is driven by ideas, not just aid. Because the future of development is not something we wait for It’s something we share, build, and lead together.