BENAPOLE: Indian truck drivers and helpers are entering Bangladesh through Benapole Land Port, along with imported goods, without coronavirus test.
Sources said, only travellers from India are being tested for coronavirus at the Benapole international check post.
Since the news of the virus infecting an Indian spread, many have raised the possibility of the virus being transmitted through their nationals into Bangladesh.
On average, 6,000 to 7,000 travellers pass through Benapole international check post daily. A medical team is working at the Immigration checkpoint so that the virus cannot spread to the country.
The Health Department is working at Benapole check post has completed the coronavirus examination of a total of 5,536 foreign nationals in the last 14 days.
But every day around 1,000 to 1,200 Indian truck drivers and helpers enter Bangladesh through the land port. Sometimes they go to Benapole Bazar to purchase essential items and go back to India. There is no provision for their health check up here.
Indian truck driver Karthik Das said after entering Bangladesh with the truck, there was no health check up system. There is no checkup system even in India.
Tests will be done on the drivers and helpers also if necessary, said Health Officer of Benapole Health Complex Dr Bichitra Mollick.
Dr Mallick said a medical team is working at the checkpost to prevent coronavirus under the direction of the government and the Health Department. The medical team works until the travelers, locally called passengers, continue to enter Bangladesh.
Deputy Director of Benapole Port Abdul Jalil said, "Instructions will be given to Indian truck drivers for health check-ups before entering Bangladesh."
benapolejessore@gmail.com