ABOUT CODE
Connecting Global Expertise with Bangladesh
Executive Summary
The Convention of Diaspora Experts (CODE) is proposed as a national, year-round platform centered on knowledge sharing — transferring the expertise, research access and professional experience of overseas Bangladeshis into Bangladeshi institutions. Investment facilitation, innovation and international partnership are retained as supporting outcomes, not the platform's primary purpose.
CODE is proposed to be coordinated by the Economic Relations Division (ERD) as Lead Government Ministry, working alongside the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, Invest Bangladesh, and the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) as core government partners, avoiding the creation of new bureaucratic entities.
National Context & Strategic Rationale
Bangladesh has a large and accomplished diaspora community across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Oceania. Many members hold leadership positions in science, engineering, medicine, finance, academia, technology and business. CODE seeks to create a structured mechanism for connecting this expertise with national priorities.
Vision
To build a globally connected, skilled, innovative and prosperous Bangladesh through strategic engagement of diaspora expertise.
Mission
To create a sustainable, year-round platform led by knowledge exchange between diaspora experts and Bangladeshi institutions, with policy dialogue, innovation, human capital development and investment facilitation as supporting outcomes.
Strategic Objectives
Institutional Framework
CODE proposes engagement with the Economic Relations Division (ERD) as Lead Government Ministry, alongside the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, Invest Bangladesh (the apex investment agency formed by the 2026 merger of BIDA, BEZA and the PPP Authority, operating under the Prime Minister's Office), and the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) as core government partners. Other ministries and agencies — including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ICT Division, and the Ministry of Education / UGC — are invited to participate in thematic sessions relevant to their mandate.
A National Coordination Committee, chaired by ERD with standing membership from the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, Invest Bangladesh, NSDA and Deshi Probashi, is proposed to meet quarterly, approve annual priorities and review progress against published targets.
A Global Network of Regional Centers
CODE is proposed not only as an annual convention in Dhaka, but as a network with a physical presence in the places overseas Bangladeshis actually live. Regional Centers are proposed across North America, the United Kingdom and Europe, the Middle East, Japan and East Asia, Australia, and Africa — each identifying and verifying local experts, organizing pre-Convention briefings and networking, and helping mobilize diaspora attendance at the annual Convention.
Priority Sectors
Diaspora Investment Forum
Dedicated sessions will facilitate investment opportunities, public-private partnerships, venture capital engagement, startup financing and SME development.
National Skills Initiative
Diaspora experts will support technical training, mentorship, certification programs, curriculum modernization and workforce readiness.
Innovation & Research Platform
CODE will encourage collaborative research, innovation labs, university partnerships and commercialization of technology.
Policy Advisory Network
A voluntary network of distinguished experts will provide technical recommendations, comparative international insights and sectoral policy support.
Digital Platform
The CODE online platform is intended to support registration, project matching, mentorship, investment opportunities, research collaboration, job placement and issue resolution.
Implementation Roadmap
Progress can be tracked through indicators such as investment commitments, jobs created, mentorship matches, startup support, research collaborations, policy recommendations and training outcomes.