Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus -File Photo

DHAKA, Dec 16, 2025 (BSS) - Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today said the contribution of expatriate Bangladeshis to the national economy and the country’s overall progress is immense. 

“The remittances sent by migrant workers play a vital role in keeping the wheels of the country’s economy moving and constitute one of the major sources of Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves,” he said in a message on the occasion of ‘International Migrants Day 2025’ and ‘National Expatriates Day 2025’.

On this occasion, the chief adviser extended his heartfelt greetings to all expatriate Bangladeshis, their families, development partners involved in migration, and representatives of international organizations.

Prof Yunus said expatriate Bangladeshis have also played a significant role in the country’s democratic advancement. Their active participation in the July mass uprising gave strength and courage to the protesting students, workers, and people, he added.

He said the current interim government is working on formulating and implementing various action plans for the welfare of expatriates. 

For the first time, initiatives have been taken to enable expatriates to cast their votes in the upcoming national election, he said, adding that efforts are also underway to provide training and skill development for prospective migrants and to send them abroad at lower costs. 

He said special lounges have been introduced at airports for the convenience of expatriates. 

Prof Yunus said various measures have been taken to ensure that expatriates do not face harassment while receiving services at Bangladesh missions abroad and strict instructions have been issued in this regard. 

Laws have been amended and updated to prevent human trafficking and curb the activities of recruiting syndicates, he said.

He wished the complete success of all programmes organized on the occasion of International Migrants Day 2025 and National Expatriates Day 2025.