With fresh Covid-19 sub-variants spreading rapidly in neighboring India, Bangladeshi health and aviation authorities have moved swiftly to tighten screening and surveillance measures at all airports across the country.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), responding to a recent directive from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), has heightened precautions for both incoming and outgoing air passengers.
Officials confirm that enhanced checks and a combined health guideline have already been issued to all airport terminals.
“We are especially vigilant about India-bound passengers, given the spike in infections across the border,” CAAB Chairman Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan told Dhaka Tribune on Wednesday.
“While we have not imposed any travel restrictions, we are on high alert. The situation is being monitored in real-time, and any further action will be data-driven.”
So far, airport authorities have not detected any passengers infected with the new sub-variants at Bangladeshi airports, according to the airport health advisory unit.
But that has not stopped public health officials from sounding the alarm.
On Wednesday, DGHS Director General Dr Md Abu Jafar warned that multiple new sub-variants are already circulating within Bangladesh, with signs of growing community transmission.
In response, the DGHS rolled out an 11-point directive to curb further spread, particularly through international travelers.
“Transmission rates are rising. We’ve identified several new sub-variants,” said DGHS chief Dr Jafar. “To curb international spread, we have instructed all IHR (International Health Regulations) desks at land, sea, and air entry points to increase vigilance and enforce preventive health protocols immediately.”
11 public advisory
The DGHS has outlined seven preventive steps for the general public, focused on avoiding community-level transmission:
- Avoid gatherings; wear a mask if attendance is unavoidable.
- Use a mask in public spaces to protect against respiratory infections.
- Cover your nose and mouth with your elbow or tissue when sneezing or coughing.
- Dispose of used tissues in a covered bin.
- Wash hands frequently with soap or use sanitizer for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your face with unclean hands.
- Maintain at least three feet of distance from anyone showing symptoms.
For those exhibiting symptoms such as fever, cough, or breathing difficulties, four additional instructions apply:
- Stay home and isolate.
- Both patient and caregiver must wear masks.
- Seek medical care if necessary.
- Call IEDCR at 01401-196293 or the Health Helpline at 16263.
Earlier, the Health Ministry had urged citizens to resume practicing basic Covid-19 precautions: wear masks in crowded spaces, wash hands regularly, and refrain from touching the face unnecessarily.
Officials reiterated that preventive behaviour remains the frontline defence.
In addition, airlines and airport authorities have been instructed to boost passenger awareness campaigns, improve coordination with nearby hospitals, and ensure that port health desks are fully functional.
Professor Dr Md Halimur Rashid, line director at the Communicable Disease Control (CDC) unit of the DGHS, echoed the urgency. “We’ve asked the public to stick to standard hygiene practices—masking, handwashing, social distancing—and to avoid non-essential travel, especially to India and other affected areas.”
In a circular issued on June 4, the DGHS activated strict health protocols at all airports to guard against the highly transmissible sub-variants—LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1.
Airport and port health officials have been directed to stay alert under IHR-2005, ensure full operation of thermal scanners and digital screening systems, and maintain stockpiles of PPE and quarantine space.
Isolation units have been told to remain on standby. Hospitals near airports have been instructed to prepare for a possible influx of patients.
Public health experts are especially concerned about Dhaka-bound travellers during the Eid holiday season. With thousands already returning to the capital, they warn the risk of virus transmission remains high.
Experts suggest the government reinforce frontline detection facilities at hospitals to enable faster and easier access to medical services for suspected cases.
Testing to resume in 6 government hospitals
In light of rising infections, the DGHS has announced it will resume Covid-19 testing—initially on a limited scale—at hospitals equipped with RT-PCR labs.
Prof Halimur Rashid confirmed the decision to Dhaka Tribune, saying: “Testing will begin at medical colleges and district hospitals that already have RT-PCR capabilities. We expect operations to be fully up and running within the next 10 days.”
Testing will initially resume at six key government hospitals, including Dhaka Medical College, Mugda General Hospital, and the medical colleges of Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal, Sylhet, and Mymensingh.