By
Quazi M. Ahmed
Founder & President, BOND
The Bangladeshi diaspora is one of the most vibrant, diverse, and widespread communities in the world. From Silicon Valley to Sydney, Toronto to Tokyo Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) are excelling in every sector imaginable. Yet, despite this remarkable global presence, true collaboration among NRBs often remains limited by distance, disconnection, and most importantly a lack of trust.
At BOND (Bridging Organization with NRBs for Development), we believe that building trust within this distributed diaspora is essential to unlocking its full potential. Trust is the foundation for meaningful relationships, impactful collaboration, and sustainable contribution to Bangladesh’s development journey.
Why Trust Is the Glue That Binds
In any community, especially one scattered across countries and cultures, trust doesn’t happen by default it must be intentionally nurtured. For NRBs to collaborate effectively with each other and with institutions back home, they need to feel:
- Safe in sharing ideas and resources
- Confident in partnerships and processes
- Respected for their time, identity, and expertise
Without trust, even the best ideas fail to gain momentum. With trust, small efforts can spark powerful movements.
Challenges in a Distributed Diaspora
Several factors make trust-building among NRBs uniquely complex:
- Geographical distance limits face-to-face interaction and bonding
- Diverse life experiences lead to different perspectives, assumptions, and priorities
- Lack of transparent platforms for collaboration breeds skepticism
- Previous disappointments or political divides can create hesitancy
These challenges are real but not insurmountable.
How BOND Is Fostering a Culture of Trust
BOND is committed to creating a trusted, inclusive space where NRBs regardless of where they live can connect, collaborate, and contribute. Our trust-building approach includes:
- Clarity of Purpose
We clearly define our mission and values so NRBs know what we stand for: transparency, development, collaboration, and impact not politics or personal gain. - Consistent Communication
We engage our community regularly through newsletters, updates, webinars, and open calls keeping everyone informed and involved. - Listening First
We prioritize listening to NRB voices. Every idea, concern, and suggestion is valued, especially from those who have felt excluded before. - Showcasing Credibility
We highlight success stories, trusted advisors, and ongoing initiatives to demonstrate professionalism and accountability. - Creating Safe, Non-Competitive Spaces
BOND fosters collaboration over competition. Programs are designed to encourage partnership, co-creation, and shared credit.
What NRBs Can Do to Build Trust With Each Other
- Start with empathy: Understand that everyone brings a different background and experience.
- Be transparent and open: Share your intentions, contributions, and limitations clearly.
- Support before asking: Offer help, advice, or encouragement to fellow NRBs before expecting something in return.
- Celebrate others’ success: Recognition builds relationships more than rivalry.
- Join platforms like BOND: Trust grows in structured, mission-driven environments.
The Power of a Trusted Community
When trust is in place, amazing things happen:
- Professionals mentor young talents across continents
- Diaspora investors fund purpose-driven startups in Bangladesh
- Researchers co-author impactful studies on Bangladesh’s future
- NRBs return with confidence to contribute on the ground
Trust transforms passive observers into active partners and scattered individuals into a united force for national development.
Let’s Build This Together
BOND is not just a network it’s a movement rooted in trust, vision, and action. We invite NRBs from every walk of life to be part of something bigger than themselves. Let’s prove that even though we live apart, we can grow together. Because when a diaspora trusts itself it becomes unstoppable.