On Wednesday 14 January, at a venue in East London, Bangladesh Probashi Kallyan Parishad (BPKP) convened an emergency meeting with its management, members, and well-wishers to strongly protest the abrupt cancellation of Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ Manchester–Sylhet route.

The meeting was hosted by General Secretary Mustak Ali Babul, alongside Chairman Abdul Bari and Treasurer Dr Syed Mashuk Ali, and was well-attended by BPKP representatives from across the UK.

The decision to close the Manchester–Sylhet route has caused widespread shock and deep concern within the British Bangladeshi community. This route had consistently recorded full bookings, clearly demonstrating strong and sustained demand; particularly for elderly passengers and families of Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) seeking to reconnect with their roots.

Speaking at the meeting, Chairman Abdul Bari stated:

“We do not agree with this decision. NRBs contribute immensely to Bangladesh through tourism, remittances, and investments. We should not be hindered from making these contributions by such measures taken by Biman Bangladesh Airlines.”

Also present was Syed Sadek Ahmed, Chair of the BPKP North of England Branch, who highlighted similar protest actions being led in Oldham and Manchester, reflecting growing nationwide dissatisfaction.

Valuable contributions were also made by former Chair Ashikur Rahman and senior executives Ayesha Chowdhury, Anisur Rahman, Syed Ahbab Hussain, Maniqur Rahman, Mayen Uddin Ansar, Foyzur Rahman, Parvez Qureshi, and others.

Former Chair Ashikur Rahman emphasised:

“We demand full transparency, clear answers, and the immediate reinstatement of the Manchester–Sylhet route without any further delay.”

Speakers also raised serious concerns about the status of Sylhet Airport, which was designated an international airport many years ago but remains restricted in practice. Biman Bangladesh Airlines continues to exercise exclusive operational control, preventing other international airlines from operating services to and from Sylhet.

General Secretary Mustak Ali Babul strongly condemned this arrangement, stating:

“This monopolistic control is unacceptable. Sylhet Airport must be opened to other international carriers to ensure fair competition, improve service quality, and better serve millions of passengers at home and across the diaspora. An end to exclusivity is long overdue—this change must happen now.”

The event concluded with a dua for the late Dabirul Islam Choudhury OBE, who passed away on Tuesday 13 January at the age of 106. He was remembered for his lifelong and outstanding contributions to society in both the UK and Bangladesh.

About BPKP

Bangladesh Probashi Kallyan Parishad (BPKP) is a campaign organisation established to promote the welfare and collective voice of Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) in the UK and Europe. Its key achievements include:

• “Save Our Properties” campaign

• Securing National ID Cards for expats

• Advocacy for NRB voting rights

• Recognition of 30 December as International NRB Day

To get involved or learn more about BPKP’s work, follow us on social media or visit www.bpkp.org