A platform of Bangladeshi expatriates on Wednesday pressed for direct air connectivity between Sylhet and New York, United States, saying it will ease air travel for the Sylheti diaspora living in the US.

The demand was made at a press conference arranged by the “New York to Sylhet Direct Air Connectivity Implementation Council” at the Jatiya Press Club in the city.

Speakers said Sylhet already has direct international flights to destinations, including London and Manchester, while air connectivity exists between New York and Dhaka.

“If flights from London and Manchester to Sylhet are possible, there should be no major obstacle to launching a direct New York-Sylhet service,” said Jahirul Ruhel Chowdhury, a US-based Bangladeshi businessman.

He urged the government to explore partnerships with international airlines, including carriers from the Middle East, to establish the proposed route.

The speakers also called for stronger security and protection for expatriate Bangladeshis returning home, particularly regarding their lives, property and assets.

Ruhel said expatriates work hard to earn foreign currency and send remittances to Bangladesh, and better protection and services could encourage them to visit the country more frequently.

He also urged authorities to take measures to prevent the alleged grabbing or illegal occupation of expatriates’ properties and ensure legal protection for their assets.

Another speaker at the event called for improved government services for expatriates, including insurance coverage, transportation from airports to their destinations, faster passport services and smoother access to remittances.

The speakers also criticised what they described as inadequate attention to expatriate welfare and called for greater coordination among relevant government agencies.

They expressed hope that the government will consider their demands and take effective steps to establish direct air connectivity between New York and Sylhet.