Swiss expat Professor Dr Amin Ahmed Khondkar has been honored with a double-term Commercially Important Person (CIP) status in recognition of his contribution to Bangladesh’s economy.
He received this status in the category of non-residents for remitting the maximum amount of foreign exchange through legal channels in the country.
Expatriate Welfare and Foreign Employment Minister Imran Ahmed presented the CIP card and crest to Dr Amin and others in an official programme at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the capital on Saturday, marking World Expatriate Day.
In a notification on December 20, the government acknowledged the largest foreign exchange remitting non-resident Bangladeshis for the years 2022 and 2023, designating them as Commercially Important Persons under the CIP-NRB category. Over the past two years, 150 non-resident Bangladeshis have received this esteemed CIP status.
In an instant reaction, Dr Amin, a trained Masters Teacher Trainer from Harvard University, highlighted the challenge of remittances coming into the country through illegal channels like hundi, causing a loss to government revenue.
Dr Amin stressed the important role of expatriates in restoring the country's economy, particularly by sending remittances through legal channels to enhance the nation's revenue.
He urged the government and embassies to take modern steps to ensure the welfare of expatriates.
Dr Amin, also the author of a book, has served as the CEO of Swiss Educational College since 2012.
