A medical team has begun working at the Hili immigration checkpost in Dinajpur to prevent the spread of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has spread across China and India.
The initiation of this activity on Monday brought relief to visitors.
However, there have been demands to include drivers and assistants involved in the import and export of goods between the two countries under the testing process.
This precautionary measure was implemented at the Hili checkpost following the spread of the virus.
Starting 11am, a medical team from the local upazila health complex began its work by setting up a booth at the immigration checkpost.
Passengers returning from India are being checked for symptoms like fever, cold, and cough; clearance is being provided only after confirming the absence of symptoms.
If any passenger shows such symptoms, they are being sent to the hospital for isolation, according to the medical team.
The medical team officials said that HMPV has recently spread extensively in China and has already spread to India.
Even in Kolkata, cases have been identified. On Sunday, a case of a patient infected with the virus was discovered in Bangladesh.
Kishore Das, a passenger returning from India, said: "It is a good initiative to start the check-up at the immigration checkpost. Through this, we remain safe and others can stay safe as well."
Shyamol Das, who was travelling to India, said: "I came yesterday, and there was no check-up at the immigration. But today, I see that various measures have been taken. Health officials are not allowing anyone inside without a mask. We need to be cautious so that this disease does not spread to others."
Local resident Alam Hossain said: "There is a fear of the virus spreading to our country. Passengers are already being checked, but every day 120 trucks with various goods arrive at the port with drivers and assistants, who have not been included in the testing process.
"Like passengers, we demand that drivers and assistants be brought under this testing."
Jahangir Alam, sub-assistant community medical officer of the medical team, said: "Passengers are being checked with a scanner. If any symptoms are found, passengers will be sent to the upazila health complex."
Ariful Islam, the officer-in-charge of the checkpost, said: "From Monday morning, the medical team from Hakimpur Upazila Health Complex has been working inside the checkpost to conduct health checks.
"We have instructed everyone to wear masks. No one will be allowed to enter the immigration without wearing a mask. All necessary measures have been taken at the immigration checkpost following the guidelines from the health directorate."