‘Attempt underway to bring vaccines from 4 countries’

Foreign Affairs Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen has said that the government has taken initiative to bring vaccines from four countries under government and private supervision to ensure the vaccine for all.

The Minister told this to risingbd on Monday (May 17) afternoon.’

He said, “Government level works are underway to get vaccines from China and Russia by June. Besides, an attempt is made to get vaccines from US and UK under private level.”

He further said, “Uncertainty emerges over getting the second dose for about 15 lakh people as Serum Institute of India could not supply the vaccines timely. As a result, a strong diplomatic attempt is being made to get vaccine from other sources.”

Mentionable, Serum was supposed to provide Bangladesh 3.40 crore vaccine as per the agreement. However, Bangladesh received a total of 70 lakh vaccines till now. It is uncertain when the rest vaccine will come. At this circumstance, Bangladesh is trying to get vaccines from other sources including China and Russia.

However, Anandabazar, the popular newspaper of the West Bengal published a report on Sunday (May 16) that India would begin exporting vaccines to neighbouring countries including Bangladesh within a few days. Indian authorities want to supply the vaccines to uphold the diplomatic relations with the neighbours, the report reads.

When asked about that, Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen said, “India has not informed us anything in this regard recently. In the latest update they informed us that vaccine supply was disrupted due to raw materials unavailability from US. They could not supply us the vaccines as internal demand increased in the country.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Zahid Maleque said that 4 to 5 crore doses of vaccine will be brought from China. Hopefully, the immunization of China vaccines will be launched from May 25.