Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) organised a dialogue on “Diaspora and Electronic Media” at the auditorium of the British Council, 5 Fuller Road , Dhaka-1000 at 3:00 pm on Sunday, 24 June, 2007 . This dialogue hold under the project “Transnationalism and Development” in collaboration with the British Council and supported by British High Commission. The dialogue was followed by screening of Drama: ‘Abar Ashibo Phire', directed by Mr. Al- Mansur, and produced by RMMRU with technical assistance of Media-mix Enterprise . It focused on the reflection of Diaspora in electronic media.
The Moderator in this dialogue was Dr. Tasneem Siddiqui, Professor, Dept. of Political Science, University of Dhaka . She presented paper entitled “Reflection of Bangladeshi Diaspora in Electronic Media: Setting the Contex”t.
We must nurture these links with the Diaspora population and develop it further. The media have not involved the Diaspora in their work to a large extent and this is where we should urge the media to contribute. RMMRU have produced 5 dramas in collaboration with the British High Commission and these dramas deal with issues regarding the Diaspora and Migration.
The contribution of the government has also been negligible in engaging with the Diaspora and it is only the present Caretaker Government that is planning to give voting rights to the Diaspora population.

In this programme Mr. Duncan Norman, the Acting Deputy High Commissioner, represented the British High Commission and was the chief guest. He said that the Bangladeshi Diaspora in the UK is important to both the countries. The British Bangladeshis have added to the cultural and economic progress of British society.
Usually, the British Bangladeshis are stereotyped to be the restaurant owners in the catering industry. However, the reality is very different and complex and the British Bangladeshis are well integrated into British Society. Many are doctors and other highly skilled professionals and are have valuable contribution in the civil service and the judiciary.
Significant strides have been made towards participation into broader British society. The question of identity requires active participation and not segregation.
The British Bangladeshis are proud of their heritage. This is not about living in the past but far from it. There must be an initiative by all segments of the society to go further to understand and respect one another and integrate into a cohesive society.
Mr. Martin Akubue, Assisstant Director, Studies represented the British Council and was the special guest in this programme. He also said a few words about Diaspora and cultural links with home country.
Mr. Al Mansur, Actor & Director, in his presentation, he said that people's identities are strange things. People always move from one place to another. This movement has contributed to the growth of human civilaztion.
However, a person living in a foreign land for decades does not become native to that land. He maintains his food habits and other habits that are unique to his place of origin. He maintains cultural and geographical links. People always come back to their homeland at one time or the other and this is driven by people's sense of identity.
Students, journalists (electronic & print media), representatives from various organisations attended the programme. The students put forward a number of important observations and recommendations during the open discussion.
Before open discussion a drama on Diaspora titled Abar Ashibo Phire was screened. It was directed by Mr. Al Mansur.