2nd batch of stranded Bangladeshis return from India

Bangladesh today brought back the second batch of its nationals who were stranded in India due to flight suspension amid the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of 169 Bangladeshi nationals arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) from Chennai by a chartered flight of US-Bangla airlines, facilitated by the government in coordination with Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.

"Our special flight operated by Boeing 737-800 ER aircraft arrived at HSIA at 3:05 pm from Chennai carrying 164 adults and five infants," General Manager of the airline Kamrul Islam told BSS.

He said the stranded passengers bore the cost of their own tickets for the flight while the airline would operate an identical chartered flight from Chennai tomorrow at the same schedule to bring back 164 more Bangladeshi citizens.

As per the government decision, after arriving here, all returnee Bangladeshis must undergo a medical checkup at the airport and will be sent to 14-day institutional quarantine under the management of the Armed Forces Division (AFD).

Meanwhile, the government has decided to operate another special flight from New Delhi on Friday by its national flag carrier for bringing back Bangladeshis who have been stranded in Indian capital due to the outbreak.

"As per the government's decision, Biman Bangladesh Airlines will operate a special flight from Delhi to bring back Bangladeshi nationals," Biman's Managing Director and CEO Md Mokabbir Hossain told newsmen today.

He said Biman's aircraft would bring back 162 Bangladeshis nationals – 150 in economy class and 12 in business class – by this special flight at own
costs of the passengers.

The chief of the national flag carrier said intending Bangladeshi nationals can purchase tickets for the flight from Biman's mobile app or website from
Today noon till 2 pm on April 23.

On Monday, the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi in a statement said they are working relentlessly to repatriate all stranded Bangladeshis from all states of India.

On April 3, the foreign ministry issued a statement, saying that nearly 2500 Bangladeshi citizens including 1000 students were stranded in India due
to COVID-19 outbreak.

The government is firmly committed to bring them back quickly, who got stuck in India and other countries, once the situation becomes convenient,
said the statement.