Sylhet Correspondent: The looming suspension of direct flights between Sylhet and Manchester, which had become a “burning issue” among the expatriate community, is set for temporary resolution. The move, initially announced by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, sparked widespread concern among Sylhetis abroad, prompting protests and public campaigns demanding the continuation of the route. Despite repeated demonstrations, the airline maintained its stance to temporarily suspend flights, citing operational reasons.

Speaking to the media on Thursday night, Minister for Labour and Employment and Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, clarified the situation. “The Manchester flights will not be permanently cancelled. The suspension is temporary, primarily to accommodate Hajj passengers’ travel needs. We are actively engaging with all stakeholders and, Insha’Allah, within a year, you will see visible improvements across the board,” he said.

Highlighting his broader vision for Sylhet, the minister emphasized coordinated efforts for regional development. “We want to work together with all elected representatives of Sylhet Division. My focus is on addressing major road, railway, and aviation challenges. At the airport, we are striving to prevent harassment of expatriates, ensure smooth luggage handling, and provide all essential facilities for passengers.”

He added, “We are only beginning our tenure. All MPs from Sylhet will convene to discuss priorities, and development will proceed based on a collective agreement. Efforts are underway to accelerate work on the Sylhet-Dhaka highway, modernize rail services, expand train coaches, and fully upgrade Osmani International Airport. Completion of the Sylhet-Tamabil four-lane highway project is also a top priority. Cooperation from all stakeholders, including public representatives, will be essential.”

Ariful Haque Chowdhury’s experience as a former mayor and close association with development projects under ex-Minister Saifur Rahman give him a unique insight into Sylhet’s growth trajectory. Now, as a minister representing Sylhet-4—a constituency still facing significant challenges due to limited alternative employment—he is focusing on ensuring planned development reaches the region’s most underserved areas.

Local concerns include smuggling and illegal stone and sand mining, largely driven by a lack of structured economic opportunities. With initial projects already underway, several key roads have become suitable for vehicle traffic, restoring public confidence in development initiatives. Among these, the Sylhet-Tamabil four-lane project is highlighted as critical for Eastern Sylhet residents, offering a long-awaited solution to a longstanding bottleneck.

The Sylhet region now has two ministers overseeing development: Ariful Haque Chowdhury and Minister Khondkar Abdul Muktadir, responsible for trade and other ministries. Meanwhile, Sylhet City Corporation is under the administration of district BNP president Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury. With multiple actors involved, collaborative effort and sustained political will remain central to realizing Sylhet’s developmental goals.