Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) is now offering enhanced comfort and convenience for returning and departing expatriates through dedicated lounges, allowing travellers and their families to rest, eat, and pray in a modern, climate-controlled environment.

On a recent visit, Nazmul Islam from Meherpur, who had come to pick up his brother returning from Saudi Arabia, expressed his satisfaction. Sitting with the driver in the waiting lounge near the airport’s multistorey parking, Nazmul appreciated the respite from the blazing sun outside. “I had seen posts on Facebook about the lounges here and thought that when my brother came during Eid, I would sit in the waiting lounge instead of outside. It feels very good. This arrangement for expatriates is a unique initiative,” he said.

Not only Nazmul, but other travellers such as Nazim from Lakshmipur, a resident of Qatar, also benefit from the lounge. Arriving at the airport several hours before his evening flight, Nazim said, “It would have been very uncomfortable to wait outside for so long. Here, I can rest. The lounge for expatriates is a very good initiative. Many people are even sleeping and eating here. I thank the government for this arrangement.”

The lounges were inaugurated on November 11 last year, with two facilities established. One is a dedicated ‘Expatriate Lounge’ for overseas workers, and the other is a ‘Waiting Lounge’ for passengers and accompanying relatives. Since then, expatriates have been able to rest, eat, and perform prayers within the airport. Special arrangements are also in place for women to use the lounges comfortably.

A site visit revealed passengers and their families making full use of the facilities. Some were resting or sleeping, others were reading or performing prayers. Many took advantage of the cool indoor space to escape the harsh sun, while some enjoyed casual conversations in a relaxed environment.

Harunur Rashid, waiting to receive his brother, said, “These lounges benefit thousands of expatriates. With small children and elderly travelers, it’s much easier to wait here than outside in the sun.”

In addition, food stalls within the expatriate lounge allow BMET cardholders to purchase meals at discounted rates. Alamin, a staff member at the food stall, explained, “All items, including burgers, shawarma, tea, coffee, and soft drinks, are available at 30 percent lower prices for BMET cardholders. The discount ensures expatriates can eat at affordable prices.”

Beauty, the supervisor of the lounge, added, “Every day, 700 to 1,000 expatriates use our services, and sometimes even more. The combination of affordable food, resting space, and prayer facilities makes it very popular among our visitors.”

Airport Executive Director Group Captain Kamrul Islam emphasized that the facility is part of a wider initiative to ensure returning expatriates face no inconvenience. “We have made every effort so that remittance workers can rest, eat, pray, and complete other essential tasks after disembarking or while waiting to leave the airport. This is the main benefit of the lounge,” he said.

He further noted that the airport provides services for both male and female expatriates, along with shuttle buses and other supportive amenities, ensuring a comfortable and efficient experience for all visitors.