The interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus has made it abundantly clear that its principal agenda is to pave the way for a fair and democratic election in Bangladesh. This is a commendable and noble pursuit, one that has garnered widespread support both within the country and internationally. However, some of the recent actions taken by the Yunus government in Britain raise troubling questions and may undermine the very objectives they seek to achieve.

The decision to hike the No Visa Required (NVR) fee for Bangladeshi nationals visiting the UK without prior notice has been met with considerable consternation within the British-Bangladeshi community. This community, comprising a significant diaspora, is a vital economic and social link between the two nations. They are not only a source of substantial remittances but also active participants in the development of Bangladesh, both through investment and the sharing of expertise.

Compounding the frustration of the British-Bangladeshis is the announcement to close the Biman Airlines’ Manchester to Bangladesh flight. The government’s reasoning, that the route is operating at a loss, is understandable. However, this move can be seen as a disregard for the convenience and accessibility that the community has come to rely on. Afterall, the British-Bangladeshi community is not only a crucial source of revenue for the national carrier, but also a driving force behind the growing economic ties between the two countries.

One potential solution that the Yunus government could explore to boost Biman Airlines’ profitability on the Manchester to Bangladesh route is to establish strategic partnerships with other airlines. This would enable the national carrier to offer connecting flights from various UK cities, thereby expanding its customer base and increasing its revenue potential.

Consider the following example: Biman Airlines could form a codeshare agreement with a major British carrier, such as British Airways or Virgin Atlantic. This would allow Biman to sell tickets for flights originating from cities across the UK, with a connection in Manchester before the final leg to Bangladesh. By leveraging the extensive domestic networks of these British airlines, Biman would be able to tap into a much larger pool of potential customers, drawing in passengers from a wide range of UK cities. This would not only boost the occupancy rates on the Manchester to Bangladesh route but also generate additional revenue through ticket sales and potentially increased cargo transportation. Furthermore, such partnerships could also provide opportunities for joint marketing and promotional efforts, further enhancing Biman’s visibility and appeal among the British-Bangladeshi community and the wider UK travelling public.

The Yunus government’s willingness to explore innovative solutions, such as this, would demonstrate a strategic and forward-looking approach to managing the national carrier’s operations. Rather than abruptly closing the Manchester route, a more prudent course of action would be to investigate ways to make it profitable and sustainable, ultimately benefiting both the British-Bangladeshi community and the Bangladeshi economy as a whole.

If such options have been exhausted, then the question arises as to why the government is not willing to wait for the next elected administration to make this decision. The Yunus government’s commitment to a fair and democratic election is undoubtedly admirable, and their efforts to ensure a level playing field are commendable. However, it is essential that this commitment be reflected not only in the domestic arena but also in the treatment of the country’s diaspora. Ensuring the active participation and engagement of the British-Bangladeshi community in the electoral process would not only strengthen the legitimacy of the upcoming elections but also foster a sense of ownership and investment in the future of the nation.

As a Nobel Laureate and a revered figure in Bangladesh, Dr. Yunus possesses the unique ability to navigate complex challenges and find innovative solutions. It is imperative that he and his government carefully consider the concerns of the British-Bangladeshi community and explore ways in which their needs can be addressed without compromising the overarching goal of a fair and democratic election.

In these critical times, the Yunus government’s actions will be closely scrutinized, both within Bangladesh and on the global stage. By demonstrating a nuanced and inclusive approach that takes into account the concerns of all stakeholders, including the British-Bangladeshi diaspora, the government can bolster its credibility and ensure that its pursuit of a fair election is not undermined by actions that may inadvertently alienate a vital segment of the Bangladeshi population.