Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said there was nothing to panic about coronavirus fallout as the country was taking steps to import raw materials from markets other than those in China.

"We're facing a little problem; many things have to be imported from China. But we're enough cautious," she told in parliament.

The prime minister was taking part in a discussion on the thanksgiving motion on the president's speech. She was also wrapping up her speech in the sixth session of current parliament.

"We're taking steps to import raw materials, including chemicals, for the pharmaceutical industry … we're enquiring about alternatives, we're taking measures to import even from markets that may cost us more. There's nothing to panic about."

She also urged businessmen not to stock any essential items out of fear, warning that if they do so, that might be a wastage.

Hasina made the comments a day after Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming urged Bangladeshi business community to have faith in China and continue doing business with it.


At a press conference at the capital's Jatiya Press Club, the Chinese envoy said, "In view of these concerns of the business community, I would like to say, please have faith in China and rest assured. Right now China is making huge economic sacrifices to contain the virus. Chinese companies are also losing money both at home and abroad, and many Chinese projects are being halted."