Bangladesh to bring back citizens stuck in foreign countries

Bangladesh will bring back its citizens stuck due to coronavirus shutdowns in various countries including India once the situation becomes convenient, said the foreign affairs ministry on Friday, reports news agency UNB.

"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 14 April which began on 25 March to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Around 2,500 Bangladesh nationals are currently stranded in India alone and 1,000 of them are students, according to Bangladesh high commission in New Delhi.

Earlier on 30 March, UNB reported that 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 the Bangladeshi nationals who got stuck in a number of cities in India.

Bangladesh high commission in New Delhi is in touch with the foreign affairs ministry here to work out a proper plan as the Bangladeshis are stuck in several Indian cities.

The foreign affairs ministry 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 2,500 Bangladesh nationals, according to the foreign affairs ministry.