Published: 12:01 AM, 06 October 2026
Local Expertise Deserves Priority for Working on National Assets
Bangladesh is a country rich in human resources, natural resources and technical potential. From gas fields and rivers to ports, railways, power plants and other strategic infrastructure, the country possesses many national assets that are vital to economic development. However, the management, development and maintenance of these assets often involve foreign consultants and companies. While international cooperation can be useful, local expertise and resources should receive priority whenever capable Bangladeshi professionals and institutions are available.
Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in developing its technical and professional workforce. Engineers, architects, economists, scientists, researchers and other specialists are working successfully in both public and private sectors. Many Bangladeshi professionals have gained international experience and possess the skills required to undertake complex national projects. Giving them greater opportunities would not only strengthen national capacity but also reduce dependence on foreign expertise.
Using local expertise can also be economically beneficial. Foreign consultants and contractors often require substantial fees, travel expenses and other costs. A greater reliance on competent local professionals could help save valuable foreign currency. The money saved could instead be invested in education, healthcare, research, infrastructure and technological development.
Local professionals also have an important advantage: they understand Bangladesh's geographical, social and economic realities. A project involving rivers, coastal areas, urban congestion or rural communities requires knowledge of local conditions. Bangladeshi experts are often better positioned to understand these challenges and design solutions that are practical, affordable and sustainable.
The same principle should apply to local resources. Whenever domestic materials, technologies and services meet required quality standards, they should be preferred for national projects. This would create employment, strengthen local industries and encourage entrepreneurship. It could also help develop a stronger supply chain and reduce unnecessary dependence on imported goods and services.
However, prioritizing local expertise should not mean rejecting foreign knowledge. Bangladesh can benefit greatly from international cooperation, particularly in areas involving advanced technology, specialized knowledge and large-scale investment. The best approach would be to ensure meaningful technology transfer and collaboration rather than allowing foreign expertise to permanently replace local capacity.
The government should therefore introduce transparent policies that give qualified Bangladeshi companies and professionals fair opportunities in projects involving national assets. Universities and research institutions should also be connected with major development projects so that academic knowledge can be transformed into practical solutions.
National assets belong to the people of Bangladesh, and their development should contribute to building national capacity. Giving local expertise and resources priority, while welcoming useful international cooperation, can make development more cost-effective, sustainable and self-reliant. Bangladesh should trust its own skilled people and create opportunities for them to contribute directly to the nation's future.
