Flights on Bangladesh-China route advised to check health clearance of passengers

Bangladesh has advised all airlines that fly between the country and China to make health clearance mandatory from the government health administration of the latter while carrying passengers from China with valid visa.

Bangladesh Embassy in Beijing has issued necessary directives in consultation with the headquarters, an official told UNB.

Meanwhile, on arrival-visas for Chinese citizens to enter Bangladesh will remain suspended until further notice.

The Chinese citizens who are working in Bangladesh have been advised not to travel to China until the situation improves, said the official quoting the government directives.

At the same time, Chinese companies in Bangladesh will avoid hiring new employees from China until the situation improves.

In the case of travelling from mainland China, Chinese citizens need to submit health certificates prior to traveling to Bangladesh, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in Beijing.

The directives came amid the growing number of coronavirus cases in China that claimed over 400 deaths so far.

On Saturday, the government brought back 312 Bangladeshis from Wuhan city of China, the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak, by a special flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

Most of them remained quarantined at Ashkona Hajj Camp.