Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury. File photo

SYLHET, Feb 26, 2026 (BSS) - Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury today said the Dhaka-Sylhet-Manchester flight has not been permanently suspended, rather it has been temporarily halted due to the transportation of Hajj pilgrims. 

"The number of flights on other routes has also been reduced. Flights on the Manchester route will resume after the completion of Hajj operations," he said while speaking as the chief guest at an iftar and reception organized by the Sylhet District Bar Association.

Ariful, also minister for labour and employment, said the government is committed to fulfilling the expectations of the people. With the hope and trust that brought the government to power, it will work tirelessly every day over the next five years to meet those expectations, he said.

The minister said the government is determined to ensure hassle-free services for expatriate passengers. 

He announced that a meeting will be held next Sunday with senior ministry officials to review existing problems at the airport. 

Concerned officials will conduct on-site inspections to identify the issues and take prompt and effective measures to resolve them, he said.

He said not only in Sylhet but at all airports across the country, maximum facilities for expatriate passengers will be ensured gradually.

President of the Sylhet District Bar Association Golam Yahya Chowdhury Suhel chaired the programme while General Secretary of Sylhet District unit of BNP Emran Ahmed Chowdhury, MP, attended it as special guest.
 
Officials from various government departments and leaders of the Bar Association were also present.