Expatriate Housing Project Planned, Says Minister

A seminar titled “Globalising Sylhet” was held at Grand Sylhet on Saturday, focusing on presenting Sylhet’s vast potential to the international community and highlighting the role of expatriates in the region’s economic development.

‘Probashi Card’ to be launched within two months

Speaking as the chief guest, Bangladesh’s Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, announced that a special “Probashi Card” offering various benefits and services for expatriates would be introduced within the next two months.

The minister praised the contribution of expatriates to Sylhet’s development through remittances and investment and assured continued government support for the overseas Bangladeshi community.

He said the government is planning special housing and investment support schemes to make expatriate investment safer and more accessible. As land availability in Bangladesh continues to shrink, the government is considering a shift from plot-based developments to modern apartment-based housing projects equipped with urban facilities and services.

According to the minister, discussions have already taken place with the Prime Minister regarding the initiative, and Sylhet could become the first city where the special expatriate housing project is launched. Only expatriates would be eligible for allocation in these developments, he added.

He also stressed the need to keep the younger generation of expatriate families connected to Bangladesh.

“We must create an environment where our next generation does not lose touch with their motherland,” he said. “When they visit the country, they will also be encouraged to invest and strengthen family ties.”

Referring to the development of Sylhet Osmani International Airport, the minister said work has already begun on a dedicated lounge for expatriates at the airport.

He added that efforts are also underway to establish a medical unit in the immigration area, including doctors, nurses and emergency healthcare facilities for travellers.

The minister further announced that a permanent ambulance service would be stationed at the airport to provide urgent transport for seriously ill expatriates.

He also said the government has introduced a service to bring back the bodies of deceased expatriates from abroad free of charge and ensure transportation to their homes within Bangladesh.

Among others present at the seminar were Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury and Abdul Quddus Chowdhury.