2 Bangladeshi returnees in Jashore quarantine detected with Indian Covid-19 variant

The Indian variant of Covid-19 was found in samples taken from two Bangladeshis, who returned from India and are now in institutional quarantine in Jashore.

Vice Chancellor of Jashore Science and Technology University Dr Anwar Hossain confirmed the development after the samples were tested at the Genome Centre PCR lab.

They are being treated in isolation, Our Benapole correspondent reports.

The authorities have suggested to collect samples from those who were in contact with them, for tests.  

Bangladesh has closed the border with India but some stranded Bangladeshis were allowed to return home, with special permission.

A total of 2,203 Bangladeshis returned from India through beanpole check post till May 6.

They were quarantined at different government and non-government establishments, including hotels in the district and four nearby districts.

Among the returnees, three were detected with Covid-19 when their samples were sent to the Genome Centre.

Two of them were detected with the Indian variant, said Assistant Director of the centre Dr Md Iqbal Kabir Zahid.