A total of 370 Bangladeshi citizens from 22 institutions, mostly from Wuhan city of China, have registered their names expressing their willingness to return home.
But, 15 Bangladeshi citizens have opted to stay back in China for better health facilities in China and avoid the risk of transmitting the Coronavirus in Bangladesh, said the Foreign Minister.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday told the reporters at an event in the city that the Chinese authorities informed Bangladesh that they will bear all the expenses of treatment if any
foreigners affected by the virus.
“We’re ready to take them back (who are willing to return),” he said adding that the government does not want to overplay China’s decision of ongoing 14-day quarantine period.
The death toll from the Coronavirus has risen to 170 with confirmed cases topping 7,700 in China while India claimed a patient in Kerala had tested positive for the Novel Coronavirus, the first case in the country.
Bangladesh Embassy in Beijing is working round the clock to prepare the list of willing citizens and their safe return to Bangladesh, officials said.
The Foreign Minister said Bangladeshi citizens will be brought to airport from Wuhan city, the epicenter of the virus, by bus as Bangladesh will send commercial flight upon getting a date from the Chinese authorities.
Asked when Bangladeshi citizens can return, Dr Momen said they will be brought back when the Chinese government allows.
The Foreign Minister said the Health Ministry will take care of the returnees upon their arrival in Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Embassy in Beijing has opened a hotline number + (86)-17801116005 for Bangladeshis.
There are about 400-500 Bangladeshi students in Wuhan, according to the Foreign Ministry.
