Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday said many countries have requested Bangladesh to help them with medical logistics to fight coronavirus, giving a global picture of short supply. “Even the United States also requested us to send (medical logistics) to their country,” he said in a video message, adding that Bangladeshi businessmen are considering that request.
“Its due to the increasing demand,” he said, adding that: “Fortunately our businessmen are looking at the aspect and trying to make that.” He made the comment as Bangladeshi doctors are facing shortage of personal protective equipment (PPEs) to see highly infectious coronavirus patients or suspects.
The minister said the crisis would be over soon.
He also informed that China is sending 10,000 testing kits, 10,000 PPEs and 1,000 infrared thermometers on Thursday, the Independence Day in Bangladesh.
“Two days later (from March 26) they will hand over 15,000 respirators or N95 masks”.
“We also came to know that from tomorrow our local traders will start bringing medical logistics from China. The NBR has issued SRO so that they can easily import and release their products,” he said.
Due to the pandemic, the foreign minister said, Bangladesh’s exports to the Europe and American market received a big blow.
“BGMEA already gave an estimate that their $2 billion exports have been stopped. Many workers fear to become jobless. Our remittance flow can be slowed down,” he said.
“We have already talked with the US, Europe and G77 and informed them about that so that we can get rid of the situation,” he said.
The foreign minister said he also asked Bangladesh missions abroad to take care of the expatriates.
“I have also talked with foreign ministers of different countries. They are also worried. They also wished to support us in this crisis situation,” he said.
Bangladesh confirmed 39 coronavirus cases. Of them four died.
