Bangladesh still hopeful of getting COVID vaccines from India: FM
essed satisfaction at the manner in which sustained engagement between the two countries has been maintained during this ongoing crisis.
The Bangladesh side thanked the government of India for giving 3.2 million doses of Oxford AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine made in India as a gift and appreciated the prompt delivery of the first batch of 5 million doses.
Bangladesh requested the Indian side to facilitate the regular delivery of the remaining tranches of vaccine procured by Bangladesh from the Serum Institute.
India assured Bangladesh of its best cooperation in accordance with its domestic exigencies and international commitments.
‘They’re (India) producing more but they can’t meet their own needs. We’re communicating with other sources,’ Momen said.
Once China showed much interest in providing vaccines to Bangladesh but Bangladesh did not show interest at that time as their vaccine was not approved by the World Health Organisation, he said.
Momen said China administered vaccines for their vast population, which they say without any side effect apart from proving their vaccine to over 50 countries. ‘We’re continuing discussions with China again so that they can help us.’
The foreign minister said that Russia proposed Bangladesh to go for a co-production. ‘It’s not bad. We’re keeping our options open.’
He said Russia would give the technology and Bangladeshi pharmaceutical companies will produce the Russian vaccine here if things go well. ‘It’ll be cheap and hopefully it will be better.’
India has also approved the use of Russian Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, the Russian Direct Investment Fund said.
Bangladesh was one of the few countries to get the vaccine first joining hands with its neighbour India amid high demand for it globally.
‘It has been possible for prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s prudent leadership and farsightedness. She took the initiative from day one,’ Momen said.
Like the previous day, 101 people died from COVID-19 in 24 hours till 8am Saturday, according to the Directorate General of Health Services. This is the highest number of deaths due to COVID-19 recorded in a span of a day so far in the country.
News Courtesy:
https://www.newagebd.net/article/135694/bangladesh-still-hopeful-of-getting-covid-vaccines-from-india-fm
