By
Quazi M. Ahmed
Founder & President, BOND
In today’s interconnected world, professional development is no longer limited by geography. The skills, experiences, and networks that professionals gain abroad can play a powerful role in shaping the workforce at home. For Bangladesh, one of its greatest untapped resources lies outside its borders in the form of its global diaspora.
Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) are thriving in diverse sectors across the globe from engineering in Silicon Valley to healthcare in the UK, finance in Singapore to academia in Canada. These individuals carry not just technical expertise, but also insights into global work cultures, innovation trends, leadership practices, and cutting-edge tools.
BOND (Bridging Organization with NRBs for Development) believes that this collective knowledge and experience can accelerate Bangladesh’s human capital development particularly by strengthening the country’s professional capacity.
Why Professional Development Matters Now More Than Ever
As Bangladesh enters a new phase of economic growth and digital transformation, the demand for skilled professionals is rapidly rising. Yet, many young professionals face challenges such as:
- Limited access to quality training and mentorship
- Gaps between academic learning and market-ready skills
- Low exposure to international best practices and evolving industry standards
This is where diaspora expertise can make a meaningful difference bridging the gap between potential and performance.
Ways the Diaspora Can Support Professional Development
The beauty of today’s digital world is that knowledge sharing is no longer limited by borders. With the right platform and coordination, NRBs can contribute to upskilling the Bangladeshi workforce in practical and sustainable ways.
Here are a few high-impact avenues:
1. Mentorship and Career Guidance
One of the most powerful ways NRBs can contribute is by mentoring young professionals and students. Sharing personal career journeys, industry-specific advice, or job market trends can help others navigate their own paths with greater clarity.
Mentorship can be structured as:
- One-on-one virtual sessions
- Group mentoring through webinars
- Short-term coaching for career transitions
2. Technical and Soft Skills Training
NRBs with specialized knowledge in tech, finance, marketing, education, or healthcare can offer workshops and training sessions to build real-world skills.
These sessions may cover topics such as:
- Digital tools and platforms used in global companies
- Communication, collaboration, and leadership skills
- Trends in automation, data analytics, and AI
Such training helps professionals in Bangladesh stay competitive and globally relevant.
3. Industry Linkages and Global Exposure
Many NRBs hold key roles in international organizations. They can create opportunities for professionals in Bangladesh to:
- Participate in virtual internships or collaborative projects
- Attend international conferences or events
- Connect with global networks or communities of practice
These exposures can significantly enhance confidence, credibility, and career growth for local professionals.
BOND’s Role: Making the Connection Count
BOND serves as a bridge between global Bangladeshi talent and local needs. Our mission is not just to connect, but to coordinate, curate, and catalyze diaspora-driven professional development.
Through structured programs, digital platforms, and partnerships with educational institutions and industries, BOND aims to:
- Match NRB mentors and trainers with learners and professionals in Bangladesh
- Create skill-sharing ecosystems around specific sectors and professions
- Promote long-term collaboration, not just one-off engagement
A Shared Investment in the Future
The professional development of Bangladesh is not just a national priority it’s a global opportunity. When NRBs invest their time, knowledge, and connections into developing others back home, they create a ripple effect of growth. It’s not about charity. It’s about contribution. About giving back in the form of guidance, opportunity, and empowerment.
Final Thought
Bangladesh is home to immense potential. What it often lacks is access to mentorship, to skills, and to global perspectives. The diaspora holds the key to unlocking that access. BOND invites NRBs to be part of this transformation. Whether you have one hour a month or are ready to co-create larger programs, your impact can go far beyond borders. Let’s build a stronger, smarter Bangladesh together.