Coronavirus Might Affect Mujib Borsho Celebration: Foreign Minister

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said today that an outbreak of coronavirus may impact the presence of foreign guests at the Mujib Borsho celebration.

He made this comment when talking to journalists at Osmani International Airport to join a number of programs upon his arrival in Sylhet.

"Coronavirus has triggered global fear and could impact the attendance of international guests at the Mujib Borsho celebration," he said.

The Minister also said, "No foreign guest has yet canceled their tour schedule to visit the Mujib Borsho programs due to coronavirus outbreaks. However, one foreign guest has canceled the trip for another cause."

"We retain the utmost vigilance and hope that everybody should be present at this celebration," said the Foreign Minister, also MP for the Sylhet-1 constituency.

Mujib Borsho — the anniversary of the birth of Father Bangabandhu Sheik Mujibur Rahman — will begin on March 17.

According to government spokespersons, world leaders and prominent figures will visit Bangladesh to engage in various programs to commemorate Mujib Borsho.

The guest list includes Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Malaysia's former Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheik Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Indian National Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and others.

Besides that, all missions in Bangladesh should keep different programs abroad. The year will also be marked by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) together with Bangladesh.