Against the backdrop of flights from coronavirus-affected countries being barred, the government has decided to extend the visas of foreigners in Bangladesh by three months, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said on Monday.
“Foreigners staying in Bangladesh at this moment, if they want to extend their stay here, their visas will be extended by three more months, if required,” he said while briefing foreign diplomats at the state guesthouse Padma.
The briefing on the open premises was organized to brief the heads of diplomatic missions, United Nations agencies and other international organizations on the Covid-19 pandemic situation and to celebrate the beginning of Mujib Borsho on the occasion of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The foreign minister, flanked by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, apprised diplomats of the country’s preparedness in preventing the virus and managing any Covid-19 infected patients.
“Bangladesh believes in working together with all countries – regionally and globally. We are a strong believer in multilateralism,” he said, detailing the steps taken by the government to combat the virus, so far.
“As you are kindly aware, we are providing whatever support people need in our country relating to Covid-19 irrespective of their nationality. I would like to assure you all that the Bangladesh government and its people will stand beside all our guests and support and care for them as if they are our own people, and will provide any assistance they need in case of any issue related to Covid-19,” Dr Momen added.
“Let me also take this opportunity to reassure you that diplomats working here in Bangladesh are our honoured guests, and we will take all necessary steps to ensure your safety and wellbeing in this difficult time,” he further said.
“While we fight against this Pandemic menace together, we are also sure that your respective governments and countries would also provide safety and care to our workers and people residing in your countries,” said the minister.
“Our missions in your countries are observing the situations closely and are in constant touch with the local administration and are fully cooperating with them. We request the governments of your countries, through you, to extend necessary support to the Embassies and Consulates of Bangladesh in your countries so that they can perform their duties in this challenging time,” he added.
So far, Bangladesh has detected eight people infected with Covid-19, most of who had returned home from abroad recently. Three of them have made full recoveries, according to the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR).
More than 2,000 people are also in isolation at different hospitals in eight divisions of the country.
Since the outbreak started in China’s Wuhan city in late December last year, the new coronavirus strain has infected more than 170,000 people and killed over 6,500 people in 158 countries and territories.
