A total of 23 passengers who returned to Bangladesh from different European countries, including the UK, were sent to 14-day institutional quarantine at government-approved hotels in eight hours since midnight.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) came up with the strict measures that came into effect from 12:01am today, after reviewing the deterioration of Covid-19 situation throughout the country and globally.

Of the 23 passengers, 7 returned from different European Countries while 16 returned from the UK, Dr Shahriar Sazzad, in-charge of the Health Desk at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, told The Daily Star.

They returned via Emirates Airways, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways and Air Arabia, a doctor at the heath desk told this correspondent.

Passengers who came from the EU destinations and the UK before midnight had to go for 7-day institutional quarantine at government facilities or government-approved hotels at their own expenses.

In a circular, CAAB on Tuesday said, on arrival in Bangladesh, all passengers originating from any European country including UK, will have to complete mandatory 14-day institutional quarantine at government facilities or government-approved hotel at their own expense.

Upon completion of the quarantine period Covid-19 PCR test will be carried out and the passenger will be released if the test result is negative, CAAB also said in a circular on Tuesday.

Passengers originating from any other countries except Europe and UK, will have to complete 14-day home quarantine if no Covid-19 symptoms are found on arrival, added CAAB.

"But if any Covid-19 symptoms are detected or observed, s/he shall have to complete mandatory 14 days institutional quarantine at government facilities or government-approved hotels at their own expenses," CAAB also said.

CAAB said irrespective of the Covid-19 vaccination, all passengers coming to Bangladesh must carry and show PCR based Covid-19 negative certificate during departure from origin and on arrival at the airport.

The PCR test shall be done within 72 hours of departure.