In view of the deteriorating Covid-19 situation in the neighbouring districts of the country, Bangladesh has extended its border closure with India till June 30.
The COVID-19 cases linked to the B.1.617.2 strain or known as Covid Delta variant which was first detected in India.
Dhaka Tribune has reported that the decision for extending the closure of border areas was taken during an inter-ministerial meeting on June 13.
However, the transportation of goods through the land borders would continue as earlier, the foreign ministry said.
Health officials have so far detected 23 confirmed coronavirus cases linked to the B.1.617.2 strain, the foreign ministry official said after the conclusion of the meeting.
Earlier on April 26, Bangladesh shut down its border with India for two weeks, which was later extended twice – on May 8 and then on May 29 – in light of the severe crisis in India due to the second wave of the pandemic.
However, Bangladeshi nationals with a valid visa of 15 days or less will be allowed to return home subject to a 14-day compulsory quarantine, reported Dhaka Tribune.
The government also extended the ongoing coronavirus lockdown in the country from May 30 midnight to June 6 midnight.
Bangladesh's coronavirus tally now stands at 798,830 with the detection of 1,444 new cases in the last 24 hours, while 34 new fatalities pushed the death toll to 12,583, health officials said.