35 Chinese nationals involved with Padma bridge under observation

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said 35 Chinese nationals working under the Padma Multipurpose Bridge Project are under observation.

The workers who returned to Bangladesh from coronavirus-stricken China since January 18 will not be allowed to join work before a 14-day observation period is over, Quader said at a press briefing at his secretariat office. 

Asked whether construction work of Padma bridge will be affected due to coronavirus, the minister said around 1,000 workers have been working under the project and 150 of them usually go on “shifting leave” at a time.

Their leave does not have any impact on the construction work, Quader said. 

Amid apprehension that work on several mega development projects may be hampered if the coronavirus situation does not improve soon, the minister assured that the issue would not hinder the construction work of Padma bridge.

Bangladesh government has directed the authorities concerned to screen anyone coming from China.