The ban on the border crossing with India has been extended to till 14 June, says an order by the Bangladesh government, amid increasing COVID-19 cases in border districts in Bangladesh. 

The decisions were taken at a meeting chaired by the foreign secretary on Saturday, Land Port Authority Chairman Tariqul Islam told Dhaka Tribune on Sunday afternoon. Also, two more land borders--which were being used to facilitate the stranded people in India-- have also been ordered to close. 

Bangladeshis who are still stranded in India are able to return home now through Benapole, Agartala, Hili, and Burimari land ports only after prior permission from missions in India. Trade will continue as before. 

Bangladesh ordered the closure of the land border on April 26 after Covid cases surged in India. May 31 was supposed to be the last day of the ban that was extended several times since April 26.

Bangladesh is experiencing rising COVID-19 fatalities. Health authorities say the COVID-19 infection rate is showing a notable upward trend in districts that share borders with or are close to India.

The presence of the B.1. 617- the variant responsible for India’s Covid surge- has been confirmed in several districts in Bangladesh.  

(SAM)