10.5 lakh freelancers bringing $1b annually

A total of 10.5 lakh freelancers are now working in the country bringing around $1 billion remittances annually to the country.

“The size of Bangladesh’s economy is increasing due to the contribution of the freelancers. In addition to bringing the huge amount of remittances, freelancers are also brightening the country’s image in the global market,” said Planning Minister MA Mannan while addressing a conference at a city convention hall at Gulshan in the capital on Thursday.

The event, titled “City Bank BFDS Conference”, was organised by Bangladesh Freelancer Development Society (BFDS).

Informing that the government is working to develop the skills of these young people to build a smart Bangladesh, the minister said, “Freelancers are earning more and more. Our remittances are growing day by day with the money earned by freelancers.”

Highlighting the contribution of freelancers in the development of the country, the minister said that the freelancers are directly contributing to the country’s economy.

Freelancers will get 4 per cent cash assistance against the money they earn and bring home from abroad through designated online platforms. Bangladesh Bank has issued a notification in this regard. And every bank in the country has been instructed to provide this 4 per cent cash assistance, the minister informed.

“Bangladeshi freelancers are working independently in the world market because the government has taken various projects to build Smart Bangladesh, this is a big achievement. Broadband internet is now available at union-level. Now employment is being created for the youths in the villages,” he also said.

Chairman of BFDS Dr Tanjiba Rahman said the global market size of freelancers is about $1.5 trillion. There are over 10 lakh Bangladeshis working in this market, both online and offline.

City Bank Managing Director and CEO Masrur Arefin said, “We have introduced separate ATM card for the freelancers, providing the highest facilities. Using the card, freelancers can avail bank loans in addition to getting various other benefits.”