DHAKA, Dec 29, 2023 (BSS) - Terming the expatriates as the backbone of the nation, Planning Minister MA Mannan today said that the country as well as the respective families of the expatriate Bangladeshis is being benefitted from the hard earned remittances sent by the expatriates.

"So, we should be much more attentive in resolving the problems of the expatriate Bangladeshis," he said.

The planning minister said this while addressing a function marking the National Expatriates Day as the chief guest at a city hotel.

Jointly organized by the Scholars Bangladesh Society and Center for NRB Foundation, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen spoke at the function as the special guest.

Mannan opined that the government could provide 10 percent stimulus to those expatriates who are relatively in low income group.

He also said that the government should provide higher facilities to those who would send more inward remittances to the country like giving priority while enrolling their children in schools and colleges, said a press release.

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen said that Bangladesh is now ranked 6th in the world in sending expatriate workers abroad while the Bangladeshi workers are now staying in 147 countries across the globe.

"We've already introduced many facilities for the expatriates. The concerned law for the expatriates is also being updated. We'll shortly introduce insurance for the expatriates. The consular offices are always ready to provide services to the expatriates," he added.

Dhaka University Emeritus Prof Dr Atiur Rahman suggested for enlisting the less privileged expatriates in the registration process.

He cited that the Philippines are getting more remittances despite sending less workers abroad than Bangladesh as they send workers with proper training. "We should also send workers by giving proper training,"

North South University Vice Chancellor Prof Atiqul Islam, Scholars Bangladesh Society and Center for NRB Foundation Founder and President ME Chowdhury Shamim spoke, among others, on the occasion.