• Friday, March 29, 2024

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COVID-19: Bangladesh seeks help from Chinese experts

Labourers work in a garment factory during a government-imposed lockdown as a preventative measure against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Asulia on April 7, 2020. (Photo by Munir UZ ZAMAN / AFP) (Photo by MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP via Getty Images)

By: Aswathy Nair

THE Bangladesh government wants to bring Chinese team of experts to support Sheikh Russel Gastro Liver Institute and Hospital, which has been declared a dedicated facility in Dhaka for coronavirus treatment.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen made the proposal during his 45-minute telephone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a foreign ministry statement said.

Bangladesh has reported 218 COVID-19 cases and 20 deaths so far. According to some estimate the cases in the Asian country could go up to two million.

Bangladesh has requested to send a Chinese medical team of experts comprising of doctors, nurses and technicians to treat coronavirus patients and provide training to Bangladeshi medical professionals.

The country also discusses the possibility of importing ventilators from China during this critical moment.

Momen requested the Chinese foreign minister to consider deferral of payments against all back to back letters of credit opened in favour of Chinese suppliers for one year.

As per reports, Wang Yi responded positively and assured him of their full support to Bangladesh.

He also requested his Chinese counterpart to help early repatriation of Rohingya to Myanmar as promised.

The minister also mentioned the contribution of Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation.

Momen lauded the Chinese government for taking care of Bangladeshi students in Wuhan and other parts of China in the wake of the outbreak.

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