The courageous individuals from Bangladesh who work hard overseas, often referred to as “remittance warriors,” play a crucial role in supporting our economy. They send home vital funds, not just for their families’ needs, but often to build small businesses and create a better future. While our leaders often encourage youth and returning migrants to become entrepreneurs, a key question remains: are these hardworking individuals truly getting the government support they need to turn their dreams into reality? It’s a vital discussion about transforming remittances into lasting economic growth. The hardworking men and women in Bangladesh, known as “remittance warriors,” play a crucial role in supporting our economy through their dedicated efforts overseas. Many, including relatives of migrant workers and even those over 50, are stepping forward with their savings to start small ventures like poultry farms, fish cultivation, or vegetable production. Their goal is to stand on their own feet and boost national output. The money sent home by these “remittance warriors” has already helped establish countless small agricultural farms, poultry sheds, and fishponds across the country. A crucial government initiative designed to help is the Probashi Kallyan Bank (PKB). Established specifically for migrant workers, PKB offers various loan schemes aimed at economic reintegration and supporting entrepreneurial activities for returnees and their families. These loans cover a wide range of ventures, including agriculture, fisheries, poultry, dairy, and small to medium-sized enterprises like stationery shops or furniture businesses. The bank has even introduced special loans for COVID-affected returnees and female migrants, demonstrating a direct effort to support their ventures. However, despite these intentions and existing structures, many grassroots entrepreneurs, especially in rural areas, often feel a gap in practical support. While there are government offices at the local level for agriculture, fisheries, livestock services, and youth development, entrepreneurs sometimes report a lack of direct, proactive assistance from officials. This highlights a need for better coordination, more fieldwork, and improved accountability to ensure that support reaches those who need it most, helping them navigate business complexities and access resources. For the entrepreneurial dreams of our remittance warriors to truly flourish, a more unified and accessible support system is essential. This means not just providing loans, but also offering simplified business registration processes, better access to market information, and ongoing mentorship. By ensuring that our state administration at the grassroots level is proactive and accountable, and by fostering a true partnership between citizens and the government, we can transform remittance income into sustainable ventures. This collective effort is key to unlocking the full potential of our remittance warriors and building a more prosperous Bangladesh for everyone.
