Some 4,422 foreign nationals left Bangladesh after the coronavirus outbreak began in the country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said on Thursday.
These expatriates went back to their respective countries including Bhutan, Malaysia, USA, Japan, Russia, Germany, Canada, Australia, Maldives, Turkey, UK and Singapore.
The local missions of respective countries arranged chartered flights for the return of their nationals, a spokesperson of the ministry said.
Most of the foreigners, who returned, had been working in various development projects which are now suspended.
Meanwhile, MOFA has facilitated the return of 1,799 Bangladeshis stranded in China, India, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Oman and Turkey. These returnees include pilgrims, students, tourists, patients and businessmen.
Besides, the ministry also instructed the Bangladesh Missions abroad to look after the expatriate Bangladeshis.
Under the guidance of MOFA, Bangladesh Missions abroad set up hotlines, and many Missions formed ‘Pool of Doctors’ to provide online medical advice to the expatriate Bangladeshis.
MOFA also dispensed funds for Bangladesh Missions abroad in coordination with the Ministry of Expatriate’s Welfare and Overseas Employment.
Bangladesh Missions distributed food and necessary items among the Bangladesh community living in different countries, particularly in the Middle East, the spokesperson said.
MOFA launched a page ‘COMBAT CORONA’ on its website to offer telemedicine services, raise awareness and provide COVID-19 related information.
