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June 10, 2025 : In response to a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in various parts of India, Bangladesh has intensified health screening measures at all land, sea, and international airports. As part of these efforts, authorities at the Akhaura Land Port in Brahmanbaria have implemented strict precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
On Tuesday morning (June 10), a visit to the Akhaura Immigration Checkpoint revealed that passengers returning from India are undergoing preliminary screening for COVID-19 symptoms. Health workers are diligently checking travelers to ensure early detection of potential cases.
Ibrahim Hossain, a passenger returning from India, shared his experience: “I went to India for medical treatment 13 days ago. Upon returning, I noticed that passengers entering Bangladesh are being tested for COVID-19. No such checks were conducted in India.”
Another traveler, Nizam Uddin, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “I hadn’t heard about new infections in India, but upon returning, I had to undergo COVID-19 screening.”
Health worker Annapurna at the Akhaura Immigration Checkpoint explained, “The XBB variant of Omicron has been detected in some areas of India through genetic sequencing. To prevent its spread in Bangladesh, all passengers returning from India are being screened.”
According to the Directorate General of Health Services, the new “COVID-Omicron XBB” variant is more dangerous than previous strains. Although no cases of this variant have been reported in Bangladesh, authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant. Symptoms of the XBB variant include fever, cough, headache, sore throat, joint pain, pneumonia, and loss of appetite. Experts warn that this variant is five times more severe than the Delta variant, with a higher mortality rate.
Dr. Himel Khan, Akhaura Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, stated, “Due to the resurgence of COVID-19 in India, the health department has taken precautionary measures at the Akhaura International Immigration Checkpoint. We are checking the body temperature of all passengers arriving from India and raising public awareness about preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus.”
He added, “The COVID-Omicron XBB variant is more dangerous than previous waves of the pandemic. We must all remain cautious and alert.”
On June 4, a directive signed by Professor Dr. Md. Forhad Hossain, Director of the Disease Control Division of the Directorate General of Health Services, instructed authorities to ensure health screenings for passengers arriving from India and other countries. These measures are being implemented with the assistance of immigration authorities and IHR Health Desks.
AI/MR
