Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Sunday said the government is working to have adequate stock of medical logistics to deal with the situation caused by coronavirus.
"We need it…we need to have enough stock," he said adding that the government is also allowing private companies to import testing kits and other medical logistics.
While talking to reporters at his office, Dr Momen said the government is working hard to overcome the new challenge. "It's a challenge. We’ll be able to overcome the challenge by working together."
The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh has successfully overcome the challenges of cyclone and other natural disasters. "In the world, we’re known as a model of disaster preparedness country. We managed that successfully. "
Emphasising joint efforts, Dr Momen said they are ready to accept any good recommendations to handle the situation. "We remain open to good recommendations. We’re also mobilising our people (to create awareness)."
Dr Momen said they are in touch with China regarding medical logistics to be brought to Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, local companies have started producing PPEs (personal protective equipment) and masks to address the needs.
China recently announced its decision to donate emergency medical supplies, including a large number of test kits, to Bangladesh to fight coronavirus or Covid-19.
The Foreign Minister on Saturday said testing kits and medical logistics are ready in China and they will be brought to Bangladesh any time by a chartered flight.
This Chinese Emergency Humanitarian Aid Project includes coronavirus test kits for 10,000 people, 15,000 medical N95 masks, 10,000 medical protective clothing and 1,000 infrared thermometers.
Meanwhile, Jack Ma, co-founder and former executive chairman of Alibaba Group, announced to help Bangladesh and some other Asian nations contain the coronavirus spread.
He made the announcement in a tweet on Saturday.
Ma promised to donate emergency supplies, including masks, test kits, protective suits, plus ventilators and thermometers.
The other nations are – Afghanistan, Cambodia, Laos, the Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh announced its first coronavirus cases on March 8.