BD receives 2nd batch of medical aid from India

Bangladesh on Sunday received the second batch of medical aid from India, including 1 lakh hydroxychloroquine tablets and 50,000 sterile surgical latex gloves. 

This aid was sent as part of India's commitment to help South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations fight against the novel coronavirus through an emergency fund. 

Riva Ganguly Das, the Indian High Commissioner in Bangladesh, handed over the medical supplies to Health Minister Zahid Maleque during a handover ceremony held in the capital. 

The health minister appreciated the continued support from India in terms of essential medical supplies, protective gear and capacity building, adding that "the helping hands of our neighbour at this time of distress is most welcome."

The Indian high commissioner reiterated India's continued support to Bangladesh in its fight against Covid-19.

The aid was covered by the SAARC Covid-19 Emergency Fund which was announced during a video conference held on March 15. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the initiative and contributed the initial $10million to the fund.

Bangladesh pledged $1.5 million to the fund on March 22.

The medicines and the medical equipment were transported from India on a flight of the Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

The Indian High Commission conveyed its gratitude to the airlines for its timely help.

The first batch of emergency medical assistance under this fund, containing 30,000 surgical masks and 15,000 head-covers, were handed over to Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on March 25.