In the deadly wake of coronavirus pandemic all across the globe, Bangladesh imposed a two-week ban on travelers from India, all European countries except UK, and some other countries. The ban on entry from China, South Korea, Iran, India and 26 EU countries was imposed from Sunday midnight with an aim to prevent the spread of deadly novel coronavirus inside the country, reports BSS.
“The ban will be imposed both for foreigners and Bangladesh nationals,” Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen told newsmen at a crowded media briefing at the State Guest House Padma on Saturday night. He said, “As per Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s directives, we have decided to impose the ban on travelers from those countries till March 31.”
He said as the World Health Organisation has declared the Europe as the new epicenter of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the government has taken the decision to protect its citizens from the outbreak. “A number of countries across the world including India and Saudi Arabia took the same decision due to the outbreak of deadly virus,” Momen said. The two-week ban will also be effective for those countries which have already restricted borders that including India, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar.
In reply to a query, the foreign minister said, “India is not allowing Bangladeshi citizens to enter the country. From today, Bangladesh also won’t allow entry of Indians.” Besides, he said, issuing of on-arrival visa to all countries have been also suspended within this period. Momen said the government will take further steps about the ban after evaluating the global pandemic situation after these two weeks. “Our core responsibility is to protect health of our citizens,” he said.
Moreover, the foreign minister said the passengers who are coming from coronavirus-hit countries must go through self-quarantine. Health Minister Zahid Maleque and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam along with secretaries of foreign, health, civil aviation and expatriate secretaries were also present.
Alam said this ban has been imposed only for passengers not for cargos. “Cargo flights will be continued,” he said. Alam said the Bangladeshi expatriates who are coming from Italy, most of them returned here breaching the directions of Italian government and suppose to get fined after their return.
Under the all circumstance, he said the government has decided to impose the ban from all travelers of Europe including its nationals. The state minister said Prime Minister concerned and sympathized about the situation expatriates Bangladeshis residing in different countries in Europe including Italy and she urged them to face the challenges there with patience.
