Clicky
National, Front Page

Govt to bring back BD citizens stuck abroad


Published : 03 Apr 2020 10:05 PM | Updated : 06 Sep 2020 06:18 AM

The government is trying its best to bring back Bangladeshis who got stuck in various countries due to lockdowns imposed by different governments across the globe, said Foreign Minister Dr AKA Abdul Momen. He said highest number of Bangladesh citizens, around 2,500, is stuck in India. Provincial governments of Bengaluru, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have organized for food and lodging for the Bangladeshis who got stuck there. They would continue providing the assistance until April 15 at least.

In reply to a query, he said, “The fare of Bangladesh Biman is very costly. So, we are trying to manage the repatriation hiring aircrafts from other airlines.” “A flight of Singapore Airlines is due in Dhaka within a very short time, taking back Bangladeshis who got stuck in the country,” he added.

Meanwhile, the minister also said, our banks have increased their credit card limits for clients which would help Bangladesh citizens stuck abroad to buy plane tickets if needed. UNB adds, the government will bring back the Bangladesh citizens who got stuck in various countries including India due to lockdown there once the situation becomes convenient, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday. The government is firmly committed to bring them back quickly who got stuck in India and other countries, said the Ministry adding that they are keeping eyes to resolve the problem.

A large number of Bangladesh citizens visit India every year for treatment, tourism and education purposes. India is under 21-day lockdown until April 14 which began on March 25 to slow the spread of coronavirus. Around 2500 Bangladesh nationals are currently in India who have been stranded there and of them over 1000 are students, according to Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.

There are broadly three categories of Bangladesh nationals currently in India - who are willing to stay back until situation improves but facing cash crisis, students and those who are released from hospitals after necessary treatment. The government is working to find ways for bringing back Bangladeshi nationals who got stuck in a number of cities in India.

Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi is in touch with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here to work out a proper plan as these Bangladesh citizens in India are not just from one city. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Bangladesh Missions in India are looking into welfare issues of Bangladesh nationals in India.

Officials at the Missions are in constant contact with Bangladesh citizens in India over phone. The Missions remain active to resolve any problems faced by stranded 2500 Bangladesh nationals there including financial crisis, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.