Bangladesh hopes to get Covid vaccine on priority basis: Cabinet

The Cabinet today expressed the hope that Bangladesh will get the Covid-19 vaccine on priority basis, once it is ready, as the government is in touch with all the countries and organisations trying to develop it.

The optimism was expressed at the weekly Cabinet meeting held virtually with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair. 

The PM joined the meeting through a videoconference from her official residence Gono Bhaban, while other cabinet members got connected from the Bangladesh Secretariat.

"Detailed discussions were held on Covid-19 vaccine today...Bangladesh will get it on a priority basis relatively at a lower price. Not only that but one or more of our pharmaceutical companies will also be able to produce vaccines," said Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam at a press briefing after the meeting.

 He said different countries across the world are in a race to develop vaccines since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. "Right from the beginning, we've been maintaining contacts regularly with all those who are in the race to produce it," he said.

 The cabinet secretary said Bangladesh will not allow any vaccine without recognition of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Following the WHO recognition as the baseline, the health ministry, the department concerned and some local pharmaceuticals are also in touch with those who are trying to develop it.

He said the government has kept aside an amount of Tk 600 crore under a project to procure the Covid-19 vaccine.

"So, there'll be no lack of funds to procure the vaccine. Bangladesh will collect it from where it's available," the cabinet secretary added.

 The Health Service Division briefed the Cabinet about the latest update over the Covid-19 vaccine.