The government is going to mark National Expatriates Day for the first time today with the objective of honouring millions of Bangladeshis living abroad and involving them more in the country's development.

On the day, the expatriates' welfare ministry will host a programme in the capital and honour expatriates with "CIP (NRB) Awards" for their economic contributions. Besides, Bangladesh missions in different countries have chalked out separate programmes to mark the day.

The cabinet approved December 30 for observing the day every year, starting from 2023, during a meeting on December 27 last year, according to media reports.

Later, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen told reporters, "We have 1.20 crore expatriates in different countries. We will observe the day in their honour."

Currently, Bangladesh observes December 18 as International Migrants Day which is proclaimed by the UN General Assembly.

Scholars Bangladesh Society and Center for NRB Foundation had been celebrating "NRB Day" on December 30 since 2017.

Syed Saiful Haque, chairman of Warbe Development Foundation, said having a dedicated national day and its observance for the expatriates is something commendable.

"However, issues related to expatriates and their wellbeing should come forward and be addressed adequately while observing the day," he said.

While it's important to connect second and third-generation Bangladeshis born overseas to their roots, it is also important to bring expatriates under a common platform, as their involvement is crucial for the country's development, said Saiful.

Bangladesh has sent over 1.5 crore migrant workers abroad since 1976, shows government data.

International Organisation for Migration's report "Ensuring Active Inclusion of Diaspora in Bangladesh's National Development", published in 2021, estimates about 2.4 million Bangladeshi diaspora population, mostly in developed countries.

It says the UK and the US host up to 8 lakh and 7.5 lakh Bangladeshi diaspora people, respectively.

Also, a significant number of Bangladeshi diaspora live in Canada in North America; Italy, France, Germany, and Greece in Europe; and Japan in Asia.

The report says of the Bangladeshis living in the US, five percent are capable of investing in the productive sector and 10 percent are capable of investing in the financial sector of Bangladesh.

Besides, 7,000 to 10,000 Bangladeshi diaspora living in the US have expertise in the fields of ICT, medical, engineering, biotechnology, genetics, physics, education, and economic sciences.

Of the Bangladeshis living in the UK, four percent are capable of investing in the productive sector and five percent are capable of investing in the financial sector of Bangladesh.

Besides, about 2,000 to 3,000 Bangladeshis there have expertise either in the medical sector, hospitality management, education, or culinary service.

Shakirul Islam, chairperson of Ovibashi Karmi Unnayan Program, said as short-term migrant workers and diaspora community people, Bangladeshis living abroad are contributing to the country's economy by sending remittances.

"The government needs to have a long-term action plan for them," he said.

The expertise of successful diaspora people should be used in relevant sectors in Bangladesh, he added.