Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Li Jiming has promised the embassy’s full support if Bangladesh wants to bring back the rest of students from the Wuhan city the epicenter of coronavirus infection. The virus, originated from the city of Wuhan where around 500 Bangladeshi were living, was later declared as global public health emergency.
Some 312 Bangladeshi returned voluntarily in a chartered aircraft arranged by the government. They were quarantined in the Haji Camp in Ashkona of the capital and were being observed for any sign of infection until their release. Later the government said they would not arrange any special flight, but would facilitate if anyone wants to come back. There are reports that 112 students want to come back.
Bringing back the Bangladeshi
expatriates from Wuhan poses a
significant risk to the rest of the
population of Bangladesh
The government has made it their top priority to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its citizens residing in China. A hotline has been opened by the Bangladeshi embassy in Beijing to provide emergency support to the citizens. So far, there have been no reports of any foreigner being infected by or dying from the coronavirus.
The government must be commended for its dedication to ensuring the security if its citizens. However, we must also keep in mind that bringing back the Bangladeshi expatriates from Wuhan poses a significant risk to the rest of the population of Bangladesh. Therefore, screening at airports in China and Bangladesh needs to be stricter and more thorough.
In case any of the returnees are infected with the virus, they must immediately be quarantined on the airport premises and safely transported to a medical facility to ensure that there is no risk of the virus spreading to the local populace. The government should also raise awareness on the virus through campaigns and distribute face masks.
There is already a lot of information spreading on the disease and the government must take steps to ensure that accurate knowledge is being disseminated to prevent mass panic. Transparency on part of the government in handling the situation is needed to reassure the public.