Desk Report:
Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury has said that the ‘Expatriate Card’ with special facilities for the welfare of expatriates will be issued within the next 2 months. He highly appreciated the remittances and investments of expatriates in the development and globalization of Sylhet and assured all kinds of support from the government.
The minister made these remarks at a seminar titled ‘Globalizing Sylhet’ at ‘Grand Sylhet’ in Sylhet on Saturday (May 16, 2026) to showcase the endless potential of Sylhet to the world and the important role of the expatriate community in economic development.
The minister said that the government is undertaking special housing and investment support projects to make investment safe and easy for expatriates. Land is decreasing in our country. Therefore, in the future, instead of plot-based projects, a plan has been taken to develop modern housing with various civic amenities based on apartments.
Stating that the matter was discussed with the Prime Minister, he said that only expatriates will get allocation there and this apartment-based modern housing project for expatriates can start from Sylhet.
He also said that such initiatives are necessary to keep the new generation of expatriates involved with the country. We need to create an environment so that our next generation does not forget the motherland. When they come to the country, they will also invest, and family ties will also be strengthened.
Regarding the modernization and enhancement of services at Sylhet’s Osmani International Airport, the minister said that work has already started on building a separate lounge for expatriates at the airport. In addition, work is underway to start a medical unit with doctors, nurses and medical facilities to ensure medical services in the immigration area. A permanent ambulance will be kept at the airport to quickly take seriously ill expatriates to the hospital.
At the same time, the government has also introduced a system to bring the bodies of expatriates who die abroad to their homes free of cost.
Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury and Police Commissioner Abdul Quddus Chowdhury were present at the seminar, among others.
