Bangladesh: Officials extend most COVID-19 restrictions through at least May 30, though some controls have been eased /update 44

Event

Officials are extending most domestic controls through at least May 30 amid ongoing COVID-19 disease activity. Authorities are allowing intercity trains and buses to resume operations at half their normal seating capacity. Additionally, restaurants can reopen dine-in services at half capacity from May 23. However, under ongoing directives, residents must remain at home unless seeking or providing essential or emergency services. Movement in public requires police-issued passes, which are available online. Nonessential public gatherings remain banned. Private vehicles, except for motorcycles under ride-sharing platforms, can operate with capacity limits.

Retail centers, such as shopping malls, may open 10:00-20:00. Industries may operate provided they implement social distancing measures. Many nonessential establishments, including dine-in eateries, educational institutions, recreational venues, and offices, must remain closed. Facemasks are necessary when in public. Businesses allowed to operate must refuse entry to anyone without a facemask; however, reports indicate that enforcement and adherence are generally poor.

Authorities impose strict movement controls on some specific neighborhoods with elevated disease activity. All nonessential businesses are closed, public transport services are suspended, and residents are barred from leaving in the designated areas. As of May 23, such measures have primarily been enacted in and around Cox's Bazar.

Protesters have previously defied the gathering bans to demonstrate against COVID-19-related restrictions, mainly in Dhaka, prompting business and transport disruptions. Police have used force to disperse participants. Panic-buying and associated localized shortages of essential goods may occur in some areas. Such behavior may also affect the availability of cash at automatic teller machines and fuel at filling stations.

Travel Restrictions
Land border crossings and ports are open for cargo shipments. Passenger ground travel from India remains restricted through at least May 30; exceptions are possible, mainly for returning citizens, via the Akhaura, Benapole, and Burimari crossings after obtaining permission from the Bangladeshi High Commission. The government has authorized the resumption of some international and domestic commercial flights.

International travel curbs remain in place as of May 23. Further modifications to existing controls are possible. The following rules are applicable until further notice:

• Group A: All inbound and outbound travel is banned, except for returning Bangladeshis with special permission. Entrants must undergo a 14-day institutional quarantine. Affected locations include 13 countries as of May 23, including India and Nepal.

• Group B: All inbound travel is banned except for people with prior permission; outbound travel to designated locations is allowed. Arrivals from 26 impacted countries - such as Belgium, France, and Switzerland - must undergo institutional quarantine for 14 days. Travelers from Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar must quarantine at a government facility for three days and undergo testing; those with negative results may quarantine at home for 11 additional days.

• Group C: All countries neither in group A or B are in this category. Inbound and outbound travel is allowed. Entrants from such nations must undergo a 14-day self-quarantine; those with symptoms may face institutional quarantine.

All inbound passengers above the age of 10, regardless of vaccination status, must possess a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure; transit passengers who have exited airports over the course of their journeys must re-test before the final leg of their trip to Bangladesh. Arrivals must quarantine for 14 days either at home or a designated facility, depending on their country of origin and medical assessment. Overseas Bangladeshi workers in nations without PCR testing facilities may seek prior approval to produce alternative health certification, such as antigen test results. Passengers without approved certification may no longer board Bangladesh-bound flights.

Bangladesh has suspended visa-on-arrival services until further notice; travelers must obtain a visa from their local Bangladeshi diplomatic mission. Outbound air passengers above the age of 10 must test for COVID-19 at a government-approved facility 72 hours or less before departing the country; pre-approved foreigners departing within 14 days of arrival in Bangladesh and diplomatic and official passports holders and their family members are exempt.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Emphasize basic health and social distancing precautions Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh
Ministry of Public Administration (Bengali)
Bangladesh Police Movement Pass Application Portal