Oxfam in Bangladesh has launched Bridge to Bangladesh, a first-of-its-kind digital platform designed to connect the global Bangladeshi diaspora with the country's development priorities through knowledge, skills, investment linkages and professional collaboration.

The platform--available through the website bridgetobd.org and a mobile application--was officially launched at an event in Dhaka on Sunday, June 28. 

Senior government officials, representatives from civil society and international organizations, diaspora leaders and journalists attended the event.

The platform aims to engage more than 2.4 million Bangladeshis living abroad through verified Bangladeshi organizations and individuals.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, said Bangladeshi diaspora members are eager to contribute to the country's development, but building trust and ensuring sustainable engagement are essential. 

He also revealed that the government's long-awaited diaspora policy is now in its final stage and is expected to receive approval soon.

Highlighting the need for stronger diaspora engagement, he said many investors have shown interest in Bangladesh but often fail to invest because of a trust deficit, limited connectivity and inadequate government services. 

Md. Mokhtar Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, said the initiative complements the government's ongoing efforts to engage the Bangladeshi diaspora and could significantly strengthen the country's future diaspora policy.

Joining the programme virtually, Apsana Begum MP, Chair of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on Bangladesh, said the Bangladeshi diaspora has consistently stood beside the country during national crises, humanitarian emergencies and major political and social transitions.

She noted that many British Bangladeshis, including herself, are keen to contribute to Bangladesh's development and policymaking. 

She expressed hope that the platform would provide a practical pathway for diaspora communities to deepen their engagement with Bangladesh.

The programme began with a welcome address by Ashish Damle, Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh. Describing Bridge to Bangladesh as a collective national vision rather than an Oxfam project, he said the platform has the potential to reshape the global narrative about Bangladesh--from a country seeking support to one that contributes knowledge, expertise and innovation to the world.

Among those present at the launch were Dr. Laura Tomm-Bonde, Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Bangladesh; Sabur Khan, Founder and Chairman of Daffodil International University and Daffodil Group and former President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI); Max Tuñón, Country Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Bangladesh; and Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh.

The event also featured a presentation by Md. Sariful Islam, Head of Influencing, Communications, Advocacy and Media at Oxfam in Bangladesh, who outlined the platform's journey from concept to launch. 

Dr. Tanzil Shafique, Associate Professor of Urban Design at the University of Sheffield, shared insights from the research that informed the platform's design. 

The programme was hosted by Fatema Tuz Johoora, Head of Economic Inclusion and Justice.

According to Oxfam, Bridge to Bangladesh is the outcome of a two-year research process conducted between June 2024 and June 2026. The research included a global survey of Bangladeshi diaspora members across 12 countries, consultations with international experts, analysis of 11 diaspora engagement platforms worldwide and workshops with NGOs and civil society organizations in Bangladesh.

As Bangladesh prepares for its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, the platform seeks to transform diaspora engagement beyond remittances by connecting academics, entrepreneurs, technology experts, healthcare professionals and innovators with verified organizations in Bangladesh for knowledge sharing, mentorship, advocacy, innovation, investment linkages and collaborative development initiatives.

The platform offers verified user profiles, smart matchmaking, mentorship opportunities, community forums and impact tracking, allowing users to build professional networks, participate in events and advocacy initiatives, and monitor the impact of their contributions through a transparent and collaborative ecosystem.

Oxfam said the platform is open to diaspora members, local organizations, institutions and networks, enabling them to connect, collaborate and contribute their expertise toward Bangladesh's inclusive and sustainable development.