Launch direct flights between Sylhet and New York

On Wednesday, September 16, Zohirul Ruhel Chowdhury, a prominent businessman visiting from the United States, organized a press conference at the National Press Club in Dhaka to demand the launch of direct flights between New York and Sylhet. The event was presided over by Mr. Chowdhury and moderated by Khaled Sanwer, a distinguished poet, writer, and coordinator for the residents of the Haor region.

Speakers at the meeting argued that if direct flights between London and Sylhet’s Osmani International Airport are possible six days a week, and direct flights between Toronto and Dhaka are also feasible, then there is no reason why direct flights between New York and Sylhet cannot be established. They asserted that this could be achieved if the current Aviation Minister and the Honorable Prime Minister—referring to Tarique Zia—took the initiative. Consequently, they strongly urged the government to launch direct New York-Sylhet flights.

Direct flights between New York and Dhaka had previously operated during the tenure of the BNP government but have since been discontinued. Zohirul Ruhel Chowdhury noted that the late Saifur Rahman, a successful Finance Minister, was the key figure behind the massive influx of remittances the country receives today; he had initiated the direct New York-Dhaka flight service and facilitated the flow of billions of dollars in remittances by establishing Sonali Exchange.

Mr. Chowdhury recalled being present alongside the then-Finance Minister during the official meetings and seminars held in the United States at that time. Launching direct flights between Sylhet and New York would further increase the active participation of expatriates and propel the country forward in terms of its economy, transportation infrastructure, employment generation, and tourism industry.

Furthermore, the government must play an effective role in ensuring the safety of expatriates—who are drawn back to the country by their attachment to their homes and assets—and in protecting their lives, property, and land from encroachment. Expatriates seek the highest level of security from the current Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and the government led by the Honorable Prime Minister Tarique Zia.

Attendees at the press conference included Alhaj Amir Ali, a member of the Dhaka Paper Merchants Association, and Abdur Rahman, President of the Bangladesh Sromik Odhikar Parishad (Bangladesh Workers' Rights Council). The press conference at the National Press Club concluded successfully amidst a lively and enthusiastic gathering. Ruhel Chowdhury thanked everyone who attended the conference and expressed his gratitude to them.