Oxfam launches ‘Bridge to Bangladesh’ initiative with Bangladeshi diaspora in the UK

Oxfam has launched a new initiative to foster deeper collaboration between the UK-based diaspora and Bangladesh development.

The ‘Bridge to Bangladesh’ platform, which was launched at an event in London on Saturday 24 May 2025, aims to channel diaspora resources, skills, investments and advocacy into Bangladesh’s national priorities, including climate resilience, gender equality, humanitarian actions and inclusive growth.

The launch brought together policymakers, diplomats, diaspora leaders, parliamentarians, academics, development experts, and second-generation changemakers in an effort to move beyond emotional ties and remittances.

With over 650,000 people across the UK, and a rising presence in politics, business, and academia, the British Bangladeshi diaspora is one of the most established and influential diaspora communities in the world.

Concentrated in areas such as Tower Hamlets, Birmingham, and Luton, the community includes policymakers, politicians, entrepreneurs, academics, cultural icons, healthcare professionals, and public leaders. It contributes more than $1.5 billion annually in remittances to Bangladesh - making the UK the second-highest source after the United States.

Yet, as speakers at the launch highlighted that diaspora engagement must now evolve. The Bridge to Bangladesh initiative seeks to involve second-generation British Bangladeshis in order to bridge the intergenerational divide. It will also provide a robust framework to tap into the full potential of Bangladesh’s global citizens by offering diaspora members pathways to engage with Bangladesh through knowledge exchange, investment matchmaking, youth engagement, diplomacy, and global advocacy.

Speaking at the launch the event Her Excellency Abida Islam, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the UK said: “Our diaspora has done more than send money home. They’ve built communities, shaped narratives, and stood by Bangladesh in every crisis. Bridge to Bangladesh recognizes its power to now co-author its future.”

Baroness Pola Uddin, member of the House of Lords, praised the initiative as “a timely structure for collective ambition,” and stressed that the diaspora is not an extension of Bangladesh—it is a part of Bangladesh. Professor Naomi Hossain of SOAS University of London added that development without dignity cannot succeed, and diaspora inclusion must reflect values of equity and respect.

Halima Begum, Chief Executive of Oxfam GB, said: “For over 50 years, Oxfam has stood with Bangladesh in moments of struggle and triumph. Today, we are proud to stand with the diaspora—with people like me, who carry Bangladesh in our hearts even when we are far from it.”

Ashish Damle, Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh said: “This is not just about nostalgia—it’s about nation-building. The diaspora can offer not only capital, but ideas, networks, and influence. We want to unlock that potential and turn it into sustainable impact.”

The event was moderated by Aziz-ur Rahman, Patron of Oxfam GB with a presentation from Md Sariful Islam, Head of Head of Influencing, Communications, Advocacy & Media, Oxfam in Bangladesh. As the event closed, participants signed up to join the Bridge to Bangladesh platform. Oxfam and its partners are calling on UK-based Bangladeshis—from business owners to students—to take part.

ENDS

For further information, please contact Md Sariful Islam, Head of Influencing, Communications, Advocacy & Media, Oxfam in Bangladesh at mdsailsam@oxfam.org.uk /+8801915631608

Notes to editors

• The event was moderated by Aziz-ur Rahman, Patron of Oxfam GB with a presentation from Md Sariful Islam, Head of Head of Influencing, Communications, Advocacy & Media, Oxfam in Bangladesh
• A link to the Bridge to Bangladesh website is here: https://bridgetobangladesh.com/