By
Quazi M. Ahmed
Founder & President, BOND
In a world increasingly driven by ideas and innovation, knowledge has become one of the most valuable resources a country can possess. For Bangladesh, home to a vast, growing youth population and a fast-evolving economy, the time is ripe to invest in knowledge-based development. And one of the richest, yet underutilized, sources of that knowledge lies beyond its borders in the minds of its non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs).
With over 10 million NRBs scattered across the globe, working in universities, hospitals, tech companies, research labs, government agencies, and multinational organizations, there exists a powerful network of expertise and experience. The challenge is not in finding these capable individuals it’s in connecting them meaningfully to the country they still care deeply about. That’s where BOND steps in.
A Vision Beyond Remittance
BOND (Bridging Organization with NRBs for Development) envisions a new kind of contribution from NRBs one that goes beyond financial remittances. Our mission is to create a Virtual Knowledge Bridge: a digital platform that allows NRBs to share their insights, skills, and guidance with students, professionals, educators, and entrepreneurs in Bangladesh.
Instead of flying across oceans or waiting for the right time to return home, NRBs can now make an impact directly from their living rooms through virtual lectures, mentorship sessions, collaborative projects, and online knowledge-sharing events. This is about turning brain drain into brain gain by creating structured opportunities for engagement.
What Is a Virtual Knowledge Bridge?
Imagine a living digital network where Bangladeshi professionals, students, and innovators can regularly interact with their global counterparts. A place where a software engineer in Germany helps a Dhaka-based startup build scalable tech, or a professor in Canada mentors a university research team in Chattogram.
This bridge offers opportunities like:
- Virtual mentorship for students and young professionals
- Webinars, lectures, and panel discussions led by NRB experts
- Joint research, co-publication, and academic advising
- Consulting support for startups and SMEs in Bangladesh
It’s a model for global-local partnership built on shared identity and mutual growth.
Small Actions, Big Impact
You don’t have to be a global leader or industry giant to make a difference. Even a one-hour knowledge-sharing session can inspire dozens. A simple career talk can help a student choose the right path. A practical tip from a diaspora professional can change how a small business operates.
Some NRBs have already started offering mentorship to early-career professionals in Bangladesh. Others are giving guest lectures at universities, virtually co-authoring research, or advising startups on international standards. These are not large-scale projects they are micro-initiatives with macro impact.
How BOND Makes It Happen
At BOND, our role is to simplify the process and connect the dots. We identify areas where expert support is needed and link the right NRBs to the right initiatives. We help manage logistics, time zones, communication tools, and even recognition programs to ensure the experience is seamless and rewarding for both sides.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a young expert abroad, BOND can help you:
- Find meaningful volunteer opportunities based on your field
- Connect with academic institutions, NGOs, or startups
- Deliver flexible, remote sessions with local impact
- Gain recognition for your contributions to Bangladesh’s growth
The Future We Can Build Together
The possibilities of this initiative are inspiring. We can see students becoming more confident, researchers getting international exposure, entrepreneurs making smarter decisions, and professionals learning the global standards required to thrive in a competitive world.
This is not just about knowledge it’s about empowerment, access, and belonging. It’s about creating a smarter, stronger Bangladesh that recognizes the strength of its global citizens and welcomes their ideas with open arms.