Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury on Thursday clarified that the Dhaka-Sylhet-Manchester flight will not be canceled, but its operation has been temporarily suspended to accommodate Hajj pilgrims.

He made the remarks while delivering the keynote speech at an Iftar and reception organized by the Sylhet District Bar Association.

The minister said efforts are underway to resolve the issue permanently, adding that, God willing, visible improvements will be seen across the board within a year.

Highlighting regional development, he said, We, the elected representatives, want to work together for Sylhet’s growth. I am actively addressing road, rail, and air transport issues. Special attention is being given to prevent harassment and luggage-related problems at airports, ensuring expatriates receive all necessary facilities.

Earlier, various groups of people at Osmani International Airport welcomed the minister with floral tributes.

He requested prayers from attendees, saying, Please pray that we can fulfill people’s hopes and expectations.

Among those present at the airport were BNP’s Central Microcredit Affairs Assistant Secretary freedom fighter Abdur Razzak, Sylhet City BNP General Secretary Imdad Hossain Chowdhury, Sylhet District BNP Vice President Mahbubur Rahman Faisal, District BNP 1st Joint Secretary Ishtiaq Ahmed Siddique, Organizational Secretary Shamim Ahmed, Gowainghat Upazila BNP President Mahbub Alam, Sports and Culture Secretary Sterling Taryang, District BNP Deputy General Secretary Rafiqul Islam Shahporan, Gowainghat Jubo Dal convener Advocate Shahajan Siddique, and District Chhatra Dal Joint General Secretary Afzal Hossain.