"We should work together in collaboration and partnership so that we can handle this problem. That's the message," Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told reporters after attending a function in the city.

He said problems like coronavirus and climate change spread everywhere beyond borders which necessitates joint efforts.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will lead Bangladesh while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi his country at the videoconference of all Saarc member countries to chalk out a strong common strategy to fight COVID-19 in the region.

The videoconference will begin at 5pm (New Delhi time) and 5:30pm (Bangladesh time).

Dr Momen said Pakistan Health Adviser will represent Pakistan in the videoconference while head of governments or States from other seven Saarc countries will join the videoconference.

"Coming together for common good!," Spokesperson at Indian Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar tweeted on Saturday confirming the joint videoconference.

On Friday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a strong strategy by South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) member countries to fight the coronavirus threat in South Asian region.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina welcomed Modi’s proposal and look forward to a constructive dialogue with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and other heads of state and government who have already agreed to discuss way forward at this testing time for the region and the world.

“I would like to propose that the leadership of Saarc nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight coronavirus. We could discuss, via videoconferencing, ways to keep our citizens healthy," Modi said.

“Together, we can set an example to the world, and contribute to a healthier planet,” he twitted at 1:47pm on Friday on his official Twitter page.

In another tweet, at the same time, Modi said, “Our planet is battling the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. At various levels, governments and people are trying their best to combat it.”

“South Asia, which is home to a significant number of the global population, should leave no stone unturned to ensure our people are healthy,” he said.

The Indian Prime Minister called for the joint strategy a day after the first case of death from Covid-19 in India was reported on Thursday.