Govt to hold dialogue with NRBs

The Government has decided to hold dialogue with the expatriate or non-resident Bangladeshis through video-conferencing with a view to utilise their expertise to solve the pressing national issues.

"To execute the cross-continent dialogue sessions with the non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs), the Government has already hired a firm experienced in video conferencing," Local Government Adviser Anwarul Iqbal told journalists at his office after a meeting with a visiting delegation of NRBs staying in the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada yesterday.

The NRB delegation, however, expressed their interest for a face-to-face talks rather than video conferencing, spokesperson of the team Mahbub Rahman said, adding a number of expatriate Bangladeshis want to take part in the coming elections.

In a related development, the Election Commission (EC) has again started the process of enlisting the NRBs in the voters' list following a meeting between the visiting expatriates' delegation.

At the primary stage, on a trial basis, the NRB enlisting work would begin in the UK, said Mahbub Rahman, who is a London-based local government authority public relations officer.

He said they would participate in direct dialogue if the Government invites them.

Adviser Anwarul Iqbal said the NRBs want to participate in dialogue with the Government for the better interest of the country.

He said the expatriate delegation had met with the Election Commission, the Army Chief and the Adviser for Overseas Employment and Expatriate welfare, to discuss getting Bangladeshis living overseas listed as voters.

The Adviser said the delegation had proposed holding local government elections before the national election. "They say in the countries where they live, local government is the main-stay of democracy," he added.

The expatriates also demanded continuation of the anticorruption drive launched by the present Caretaker Government, Anwarul Iqbal said.

Asked whether the expatriates want elections amid a state of emergency, the Adviser said, "We want a free and fair election by December. The Government will decide whether it will be amid the state of emergency."

Mahbub Rahman said the polls might not be peaceful if the state of emergency was totally lifted before the elections since the country was passing through a critical situation.

The expatriates delegation was led by UK-based businessman and local community leader Muhibur Rahman Muhib, includes Amin Ali, founder of The Red Fort Restaurant in London, founder of the British Bangladesh Curry Club Khaled Chowdhury and Chief Editor of the Canadian weekly 'Desh Bidesh' Nazrul Islam Mintu.