Diplomatic Correspondent

A total of 30 ambulances from India, gifted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have arrived in Bangladesh yesterday.

The ambulances are being transported to Dhaka from Benapole, Dr Neyamul Islam, additional commissioner at Benapole Customs Check Post, told The Daily Star yesterday evening.

Earlier on Thursday, the ambulances had arrived at Petrapole.

The vehicles, which provide life support facilities, are part of 109 ambulances being gifted to Bangladesh as per Narendra Modi’s announcement made during his visit to Bangladesh in March this year.

The gift is meant to further enhance healthcare, especially in the shared effort to contain Covid-19 pandemic in Bangladesh, according to the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh.

The remaining ambulances are expected to arrive in batches by the end of September.

“The ambulances are intended to support the government of Bangladesh’s extensive effort to combat the Covid pandemic. They underline India’s continuing and long-term commitment to partner the fraternal people of Bangladesh,” the Indian High Commission said.