The border closure with India has been extended for another 14 days till July 14 amid the worsening Covid-19 situation in Bangladesh. "All other (previous) conditions remain the same," Mashfee Binte Shams, Secretary (East) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told UNB confirming the extension. The decision was taken in an inter-ministerial virtual meeting held with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen in the chair on Monday. Also read: Shutting border with India: Experts praise it as prudent decision Earlier, the government extended the border closure with India for a number of times and it was extended till June 30 before today's latest extension. The government closed the border with India but cargoes carrying goods are allowed to operate as usual. As per the previous decision, general movements of humans between Bangladesh and India will temporarily stay suspended through land ports. Also read: Bangladesh puts Satkhira border areas on alert The Bangladeshi citizens currently travelling to India for treatment and having visas with validity for less than 15 days could enter Bangladesh through only Benapole, Akhaura and Burimari after taking permission from Bangladesh missions in New Delhi, Kolkata, and Agartala and with a mandatory Covid-19 negative certificates done through PCR test within 72 hours of entry. Also read: Thakurgaon seals border areas to contain Covid

Considering the sufferings of the Bangladeshis still stranded in India, three more land ports will be reopened for their entry from India from May 16 in addition to Benapole, Burimari and Akhaura.  The new land ports are Darshana, Hili and Sonamasjid.  The decision was taken on Wednesday in an inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary). Also Read: Border with India to remain shut for another 14 days As the facilities for quarantine under the district administration of Jessore have been exhausted, entry through the Benapole might be suspended for the time being.  The Bangladeshi travellers are requested to follow the guidance of Bangladesh missions in India in this regard.  All other restrictions and conditions imposed previously would remain in effect, according to the decision of the meeting.  High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India; Secretary, Security Services Division, Ministry of Home Affairs; Secretary (East), Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Additional Secretary, Cabinet Division; Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and representatives of MoFA, MoHA, AFD, BGB, relevant District Administrations and Bangladesh missions in India attended the meeting. 

India’s surge in coronavirus cases is having a dangerous effect on neighboring Bangladesh. Health experts warn of imminent vaccine shortages just as the country should be stepping up its vaccination drive, and as more contagious virus variants are beginning to be detected. On Saturday, health authorities said that for the first time, a coronavirus variant originally identified in India was detected in Bangladesh, without providing further details. For weeks, South African variants have dominated the samples sequenced in Bangladesh. There are concerns that these versions spread more easily and that first-generation vaccines could be less effective against them. Experts say that declining infections in Bangladesh over the last two weeks compared to March and early April — for reasons that aren’t fully understood — provided the perfect opportunity for the nation to scale up vaccinations. Also read: Bangladesh detects first case of Indian Coronavirus strain “This is the time to vaccinate, keep infections low and make sure that new variants don’t emerge here,” said Senjuti Saha, a scientist at the Child Health Research Foundation in Bangladesh, who is also sequencing the virus. However, India has banned the export of vaccines as it grapples with the crisis at home. The country’s Serum Institute was supposed to supply 30 million vaccine doses — 5 million doses a month — to Bangladesh by June. But the institute has only supplied 7 million doses and has suspended further shipments since February. “It’s caused a real problem,” said Dr. A.S.M. Alamgir, a scientist with the government’s Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research. Also read: Border with India to remain shut for another 14 days Fearing shortages, the government late last month stopped allowing people to register for a first vaccine dose, and the administration of second doses is also being hampered. The densely-populated country of 160 million is desperately seeking new avenues for vaccines other than India, and is attempting to produce Russian and Chinese vaccines at home by bringing technology from both countries. Bangladesh is expecting 500,000 doses of Chinese vaccines next week as a gift from Beijing, and has also sought help from the United States. Dr. Mustafizur Rahman, a scientist of the Dhaka-based International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, said threats from new variants remained a big concern, especially when vaccines are not available. Also read: Covid-19: Bangladesh sees 45 more deaths with 1285 new cases Although the border with India is closed to people, goods continue to cross. Virus sequencing in Bangladesh, like other countries including the U.S., has been scant. This means there could easily be blind spots. “We can’t rule out that the Indian variant would not make a new wave in Bangladesh. We have a porous border with India,” Alamgir said. Since March of last year, when the first COVID-19 case was detected in Bangladesh, the country has reported 770,842 confirmed virus cases and 11,833 deaths. Also read: India's surge hits southern states, prompts more lockdowns A nationwide lockdown has been extended until at least May 16, but many businesses, markets and local transportation remain crowded. Although inter-city travel is banned, tens of thousands are expected to leave the capital of Dhaka for their home villages to celebrate next week’s Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr. “If we fail to maintain safety procedures across the country, the virus will make its natural progression, that’s for sure,” he said.

The government has decided to extend the closure of border with India for another 14 days keeping movement of cargoes carrying goods uninterrupted as the  Covid-19 situation keeps worsening in India. “It has been extended for another 14 days. The previous conditions will remain unchanged," Secretary (East) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mashfee Binte Shams told UNB over phone. The latest decision of the extension was taken at a virtual meeting held on Saturday with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen in the chair. Earlier, the government closed the border with India for 14 days with  effect from April 26 but cargoes carrying goods were allowed to operate as usual. Also read: Bangladesh detects first case of Indian Coronavirus strain As per the previous decision, general movements of humans between Bangladesh and India will temporarily stay suspended through land ports. The Bangladeshi citizens currently travelling to India for treatment and having visas with validity for less than 15 days could enter Bangladesh through only Benapole, Akhaura and Burimari after taking permission from Bangladesh Missions in New Delhi, Kolkata, and Agartala and with a mandatory Covid-negative certificates done through PCR test within 72 hours of entry. People entering Bangladesh through this process would have to stay officially quarantined for two weeks. Except for the aforementioned three land ports, all kinds of human movements through all other land ports between the two countries would completely stay suspended for two weeks. Also read: Indian Covid Strain: Two more cases identified in Jessore The vehicles carrying imported goods from India would have to be properly sterilised before entering Bangladesh borders. The drivers and helpers concerned would have to observe the Covid-19 safety protocol strictly. Railroads will be encouraged for the export and import of goods between the two countries during this period. Also read: Covid-19: Bangladesh sees 45 more deaths with 1285 new cases Bangladesh Missions in New Delhi, Kolkata and Agartala will convey the relevant information in this regard to the authorities concerned in India in the light of the friendly relations between the two countries. India’s crematoriums and burial grounds are being overwhelmed by the devastating new surge of infections tearing through the populous country withb a terrifying speed, depleting the supply of life-saving oxygen to critical levels and leaving patients to die while waiting in line to see doctors, reports AP from New Delhi. India recorded over 4 lakh new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours ending 8 am Saturday, taking the country’s total caseload to over 2.18 crore. Out of these, over 37 lakh cases are currently active while over 1.79 crore people have recovered. Also read: India's surge hits southern states, prompts more lockdowns With 4,187 new deaths, the toll now stands at over 2.38 lakh. At least 14 states are reporting cases in five figures. Maharashtra reported about 54,000 cases, Karnataka had nearly 49,000, while Kerala had over 38,000. Indian variant coronavirus found in Bangladesh A confirmed case of Indian Coronavirus strain has been detected in Bangladesh, says theInstitute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research(IEDCR) on Saturday. Also read: Shutting border with India: Experts praise it as prudent decision "The Indian variant of Coronavirus was detected in a sample test at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. It has been published on Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data(GSID)," said chief scientific officer of IEDCR ASM Alamgir. Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) DG Dr ABM Khurshid Alam also told the media that the Indian variant of Coronavirus has been found in Bangladesh.

Experts have highly appreciated the government for its move to shut the border with India for the next 14 days as they think that the border control is now crucial to block the highly infectious virus variants that have emerged in the neighbouring country. They warned that Bangladesh may face the similar catastrophic Covid crisis like in India if the 'triple mutant variant or 'Bengal strain' spread to Bangladesh by any means as it is reportedly more infectious than any other strain in the world. The experts said the government should now put the BGB members on high alert so that no one can enter Bangladesh from India until the situation improves in West Bengal and other bordering states. Earlier in the day, the government announced to shut borders with India for any kind of movement except that of cargoes for the next 14 days from Monday to control the spread of the deadly Coronavirus. The decision will become effective from 6 am on Monday. India on Sunday reported a record daily rise of 349,691 new coronavirus infections and became the first country in the world to add over 3 lakh cases to its tally for four consecutive days. West Bengal is one of the worst-hit states due to the emergence of a triple mutant strain. Also read: Border with India to remain shut for 14 days: FM A total of 2,767 people were reported dead on Sunday, according to the Indian health ministry data, taking the total coronavirus fatalities to 192,311. Remaining on high alert Prof Dr Muzaherul Huq, former regional adviser of the World Health Organization, South East Asia Region, said the deteriorating Covid situation in India is a matter of serious concerns for Bangladesh. He said the government has taken the right decision to close the border with India. “We should also keep suspending rail, water and air connectivity with India until the situation becomes normal there.” Public health expert MH Chowdhury (Lenin), chairman of the medicine department at the Health and Hope Hospital, said the coronavirus spreads between people, mainly when an infected person comes in close contact with another. “This virus has shown that it knows no boundaries and respects no borders. So, when the virus transmission is exploding alarmingly in our neighbouring country through double and 'triple mutant variants’, it was necessary for us to remain alert and take effective steps to avert a catastrophic situation. We hope the government’s decision of shutting the border with India can help contain the spread of deadly virus strains now prevailing in the neighbouring country,” he said. Also read: India's COVID-19 tally nearing 17 mln The expert said the government should now put the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) on the highest alert so that no one can trespass the border. Eminent virologist Prof Nazrul Islam, a member of the National Technical Advisory Committee (NTAC) on Covid-19, said their panel suggested the government ensuring a 14-day institutional quarantine for all those who will enter Bangladesh from India instead of completely closing the border. “As the government has decided to shut the borders, we hope the government will take necessary steps to implement its decision,” he said. Doing genome sequencing Dr Lenin said the government should give focus on regular genome sequencing study to detect whether the double and 'triple mutant variant' of Covid-19 has a prevalence in Bangladesh and know the changes in the nature of the virus. He said wearing masks is the main protective weapon against any variant, be it double or 'triple mutant one. “So, we must encourage and force our people to wear masks by taking various steps, including forming monitoring teams in every locality and enforcing the law. Also read: India's crematoriums overwhelmed as virus 'swallows people' Lenin said the second wave of the virus came due to a relaxed attitude, lack of awareness and effective control measures. “We’ll also witness the third wave if we become reckless again.” Preparing to face the worst Despite taking all the preventive measures, Dr Lenin said, the 'triple mutant variant' can travel to Bangladesh.  “So, we need to take preparations in advance for ensuring adequate oxygen supply to hospitals and increase beds and ensure all other necessary equipment to tackle any possible worst situation in the days to come.” He said the government should also form mobile medical teams and take preparations for installing field hospitals to ensure proper healthcare if the country experiences a further surge in the virus infection like India. The expert said it seems the virus transmission in the country has decreased due to the lockdown. “So, we should work out some strategies to come out from the lockdown in phases. If we suddenly ease the lockdown and reopen everything without any strategy and preventive measures, the situation may deteriorate further.” No alternative to vaccination Dr Muzaherul said the government has no alternative to ensuring 25 crore vaccine jabs for 12.5 crore people to achieve herd immunity and thus get rid of the virus. Also read: Bangladesh to get 21 lakh Covid vaccine doses by early May: DGHS He said the government should intensify its efforts to get vaccine/s from different sources instead of depending on  one country. Dr Muzaherul said though the virus transmission rate has been showing a declining trend, there is no room for complacency as it may increase anytime for lack of proper preventive measures. He said the government lacks a comprehensive plan and strategy to control the virus outbreak. “For lack of such a strategy, we’re enforcing lockdowns, but cannot implement the restrictions. We’re also reopening everything before the virus infection comes under control. These are not scientific decisions.  Without having a right strategy in place, it may not be possible to contain such a highly contagious virus,” Muzaherul observed. Read Virus ‘swallowing’ people in India; crematoriums overwhelmed

Bangladesh has decided to close its border with India for any kind of movement except that of cargoes for the next 14 days from Monday (April 26, 2021) to control the spread of the deadly Coronavirus. "Yes, but the movement of cargoes carrying goods will continue," Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told UNB over the phone on Sunday. The decision taken against the backdrop of the worsening covid-19 situation will become effective from 6am on Monday. As per the decision, general movements of humans between Bangladesh and India will temporarily stay suspended through the land ports. The Bangladeshi citizens currently travelling to India for treatment and having visas with validity for less than 15 days could enter Bangladesh through only Benapole, Akhaura and Burimari after taking permission from Bangladesh Missions in New Delhi, Kolkata, and Agartala and with a mandatory Covid-negative certificate done through PCR test within seventy-two hours of entry. Also read: Covid-19 in Bangladesh: Daily deaths shoot past 100; new cases fall dramatically People entering Bangladesh through this process would have to stay officially quarantined for two weeks. Except for the aforementioned three land ports, all kinds of human movements through all other land ports between the two countries would completely stay suspended for two weeks. The vehicles carrying imported goods from India would have to be properly sterilised before entering Bangladesh borders. The drivers and helpers concerned would have to observe the Covid-19 safety protocol strictly. Railroads will be encouraged for export and import of goods between the two countries in this period. Also read: Shutting border with India: Experts praise it as prudent decision Bangladesh Missions in New Delhi, Kolkata and Agartala would convey the relevant information in this regard to the authorities concerned in India in the light of the friendly relations between the two countries. The above decisions will be in effect for two weeks and will be revised in due time, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The decisions have been taken in an inter-ministerial meeting chaired by the Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Masud Bin Momen and attended by High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India; Secretary, Security Services Division, Ministry of Home Affairs; Secretary (East), Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Additional Secretary, Cabinet Division; and representatives of PMO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Commerce, BGB and Bangladesh Missions in Kolkata and Agartala. Bangladesh is operating special flights to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Singapore to facilitate departure of expatriate workers to those countries. India’s crematoriums and burial grounds are being overwhelmed by the devastating new surge of infections tearing through the populous country with terrifying speed, depleting the supply of life-saving oxygen to critical levels and leaving patients to die while waiting in line to see doctors, reports AP from New Delhi. Also read: India's COVID-19 tally nearing 17 mln For the fourth straight day, India on Sunday set a global daily record for new infections, spurred by an insidious, new variant that emerged here, undermining the government’s premature claims of victory over the pandemic. The 349,691 confirmed cases over the past day brought India’s total to more than 16.9 million, behind only the United States. The Indian Health Ministry reported another 2,767 deaths in the past 24 hours, pushing India’s Covid-19 fatalities to 192,311. Experts say that toll could be a huge undercount, as suspected cases are not included, and many deaths from the infection are being attributed to underlying conditions, according to AP.