2nd batch of stranded Bangladeshis return from India

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DHAKA, April 21, 2020 (BSS) – 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 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 outbreak of the
killer bugs.

“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.