3,350 returned from India through Benapole land port so far; 17 tested Covid-19 positive

A total of 3,350 Bangladeshis returned from India through Benapole land port from April 26 till this afternoon, according to sources at Benapole Immigration.

Seventeen among them tested positive for Coronavirus, our Benapole correspondent reports quoting the sources.

Most of the returnees went to India for medical treatment.

Dr Utpal Roy, medical officer of Benapole Immigration's health desk, told our correspondent that 30 Bangladeshis returned from India through the land port today till 12pm.

They were taken to Gazir Darga Madrasa and different hotels in Jhikorgachha where they will be in quarantine for 14 days.

They will be allowed to return to their houses if they test coronavirus negative -- testing their samples after 14 days.

But if anyone tests positive for Covid-19, s/he will be sent to the dedicated Coronavirus unit of Jashore General Hospital.

Ahsan Habib, officer-in-charge of Benapole Immigration, said Bangladeshis who got stuck in India due to the pandemic situation are returning with NOC from the Bangladesh mission in Kolkata.

Stranded Indians are also returning to their country following the same process, the OC said.

Travelers are allowed to cross the border till 3pm every day, the official said.