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In an extraordinary and historic diplomatic intervention, eight Members of Parliament from across Greater Manchester and the North West have issued a formal, joint ultimatum to Biman Bangladesh Airlines. This marks the first time in the history of the Manchester-Sylhet route that such a high-profile collective of British lawmakers has united to challenge the Bangladeshi national carrier over its operational decisions, Daily Dazzling Dawn understands.
The letter, dated January 9, 2026, is addressed directly to Shafiul Azim, CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, with a copy dispatched to the Bangladesh High Commissioner, Abida Islam. The MPs, led by Rochdale’s Paul Waugh and Manchester Rusholme’s Afzal Khan, are demanding an immediate explanation for the "apparent suspension" of a flight path that serves as a lifeline for one of the UK’s largest Bangladeshi diaspora communities.
The controversy erupted following reports that Biman had abruptly removed flights from its booking system starting February 1, 2026. This move has sparked outrage among constituents who rely on the direct service for family ties, medical emergencies, and bereavement travel. The MPs noted that the lack of public communication has compounded the anxiety of thousands, as indirect flights are not only significantly more expensive but physically unmanageable for elderly or vulnerable passengers.
Adding fuel to the fire are recent investigative reports suggesting that the suspension might not be a simple commercial decision. Insiders have raised the alarm over whether this is a case of "strategy or sabotage." Speculation is mounting that the route is being intentionally throttled to benefit rival Middle Eastern carriers or to justify a permanent withdrawal from the Manchester market despite the route's proven profitability and high demand.
The central question remains unanswered and continues to baffle industry experts: Why would Biman Bangladesh Airlines want to stop a flight route that is consistently fully booked and strategically vital? The MPs have explicitly asked for the rationale behind the suspension, the current status of the route, and a clear outline of what steps are being taken to protect the service
Read our previous Analysis-Biman’s Manchester-Sylhet Route Blocked: Sabotage or Strategy?
The weight of this letter is bolstered by its signatories, which include Andrew Gwynne (Gorton and Denton), Jim McMahon (Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton), Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth), Sarah Hall (Warrington South), Navendu Mishra (Stockport), and Jeff Smith (Manchester Withington). This unified front signals that the North West political establishment views the Manchester-Sylhet route not just as a commercial asset, but as a critical piece of social infrastructure.
The MPs have urged Biman to work alongside the Bangladesh High Commission to urgently reconsider any proposal to suspend the route. They emphasized the strong social and community case for maintaining the connection, noting its long-term strategic importance to the North West of England. As the February 1st deadline approaches, the Bangladeshi community in the UK remains in a state of limbo, waiting to see if Biman will prioritize its loyal passengers or succumb to internal pressures that threaten to sever a historic link between the two nations.
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