Welcome. Dr Muhammad Yunus, the head of the new Bangladeshi government, has rolled out the red carpet for a remarkable cohort of Bangladeshi trailblazers. These individuals have already captured the nation’s attention and are elevating Bangladesh on the global stage. They are breaking the mould and charting a course towards making Bangladesh the economic powerhouse it has long deserved to be.

Among these outstanding talents is Ashique Chowdhry, a young entrepreneur whose innovative approach to sustainable energy solutions has earned him widespread acclaim. Chowdhry’s venture has developed groundbreaking technologies that are reshaping the renewable energy landscape in Bangladesh, providing affordable and clean power to underserved communities. His work has not only boosted the country’s environmental sustainability but has also created numerous employment opportunities for local people.

Alongside Dr Muhammad Yunus, he was moved to tears for the country. Recently, Chowdhry stole the show at the Bangladesh Investment Summit, captivating the audience with his bold vision for the nation’s economic future. He emphasised the importance of harnessing Bangladesh’s vast untapped potential, citing its strategic geographic location, youthful and dynamic workforce, and rapidly growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. Chowdhry’s infectious enthusiasm and unwavering belief in Bangladesh’s ability to become a global economic powerhouse inspired the crowd and exemplified the country’s transformative spirit.

Another key figure in Dr Yunus’s cohort is Professor Lutfey Siddiqi, Emeritus Governor of the London School of Economics and a leading advocate for Bangladesh’s ambitious economic strategy. I still remember meeting him at Bangla Mirror, the first English-language newspaper for British Bangladeshis – which was my concept. As I interviewed him for a feature, Siddiqi’s “sparkle of revolutionary visions” instantly captivated the Bangla Mirror team. His bold declaration that he aspired to become the “Prime Minister of Britain” highlighted his remarkable ambition and forward-thinking mindset.

Siddiqi’s journey is intrinsically linked to Dr Yunus’s transformative leadership, which has played a crucial role in shaping the country’s new economic direction. Together, they have driven a significant shift by harnessing the power of innovation, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility to propel Bangladesh’s growth. These trailblazers are more than just individual success stories; they represent a new generation of Bangladeshi leaders rewriting the country’s economic narrative. Their achievements underscore the immense untapped potential within Bangladesh. With the steadfast support of the people and the new government under Dr Yunus, the country can reach unprecedented heights.

The success stories of these NRB (Non-Resident Bangladeshi) pioneers offer a roadmap to a future where Bangladesh’s economic strength is not a distant dream but a tangible reality. Through their innovative spirit, unshakeable determination, and commitment to the collective prosperity of their homeland, these individuals are set to revolutionise Bangladesh’s future and cement its place as a formidable force in the global economy.

Lutfey Siddiqi: Catalysing Bangladesh’s Economic Transformation

Take, for example, Lutfey Siddiqi – whose portfolio could not be more impressive. He is a Visiting Professor in Practice at LSE IDEAS and a co-investigator at the LSE Inclusion Initiative (TII). He was formerly the Global Head of Emerging Markets for Foreign Exchange, Rates & Credit at UBS Investment Bank, where he also founded the UBS Knowledge Network. Prior to that, he served as Managing Director at Barclays Bank, overseeing a business line across the Asia-Pacific region. In 2012, he was recognised as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and has since served on their Global Future Councils and spoken regularly at Davos.

It now falls to him to leverage his extensive connections with policymakers, industry leaders, and global institutions. He can facilitate strategic partnerships and joint ventures that channel vital investment into Bangladesh’s burgeoning sectors. Siddiqi’s international network and reputation as a respected academic and practitioner make him a valuable asset in attracting foreign capital and expertise to the country. His ability to bring together influential stakeholders could help build an environment where investment and entrepreneurship flourish.

Siddiqi’s expertise in fintech, digital economies, and infrastructure development can inform government policymaking. By offering evidence-based recommendations and innovative solutions, he can support the design of regulatory frameworks and incentive structures tailored to Bangladesh’s specific context—opening doors for both domestic and foreign entrepreneurs.

Moreover, Siddiqi’s academic influence can help upskill the workforce and foster a new generation of leaders. Through collaborative research projects and knowledge-sharing initiatives between LSE and Bangladeshi universities, he can ensure the country’s human capital is equipped with the tools and expertise needed for long-term, sustainable growth.

If Bangladesh is to achieve its full potential as an economic powerhouse, it will need more catalysts like Lutfey Siddiqi and Ashique Chowdhry—visionaries who can unlock the nation’s capabilities and help position it as a serious global contender.