Only 14 of 9,000 arrivals under self-quarantine in Brahmanbaria
Most of the Bangladesh returnees from coronavirus affected countries are roaming around their neighbourhoods
Nearly 9,000 expatriates arrived in Brahmanbaria in the last two weeks from abroad, mostly from countries severely hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
But the district authorities say only 14 of the Bangladesh returnees are under a 14-day self-isolation at home — which is now a must for the homecoming people from abroad.
The Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday asked Brahmanbaria Superintendent of Police (SP) office to take measures so that the expatriates remain at home quarantine for 14 days since their arrival.
The ministry also asked the SP office to send regular health updates of the expatriates.
Police sources said the ministry in an email said a total of 8,974 expatriates returned home from March 1 to 17. They are roaming around their respective neighbourhoods in Brahmanbaria district, defying the quarantine period.
"We have received a detailed list of expatriates who returned home. We are taking measures as the home ministry ordered," said Alamgir Hosen, Additional Superintendent of Police, Brahmanbaria.
Police also forwarded the home ministry email to the Brahmanbaria deputy commissioner and civil surgeon's office.
Brahmanbaria police said that the 14 people who are in home quarantine returned from Italy, Saudi Arabia and Croatia.
District Civil Surgeon Shah Alam said they will form upazila level committees to oversee the quarantine situation.
"The committees will make lists of those who have returned home recently from coronavirus-affected countries. They will ensure that Bangladesh returnees in the district stay home for 14 days," added the civil surgeon.
In the meantime, a mobile court led by Bancharampur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nasir Uddin on Wednesday fined an Oman returnee Tk5,000 for wandering around instead of staying at home quarantine.