The government of Bangladesh has taken steps to procure vaccines from Russia, China, and the United States as the collection of vaccines from India’s Seram Institute has been delayed under a tripartite agreement. It will take a minimum of two weeks to get the vaccine from these sources after completing the necessary work.
Foreign Secretary Masud bin Momen told reporters on Tuesday afternoon. He made the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting between Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and Chinese Foreign Ministers.
The Foreign Ministers of Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka took part in a virtual discussion this afternoon under the chairmanship of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The Foreign Minister said a stockpile of emergency medical supplies would be set up by China and South Asian countries to deal with COVID-19 so that countries could take medical supplies from these stocks in case of emergency.
In addition, a post-COVID poverty alleviation center will be set up in light of China’s experience. Besides, an e-commerce expansion program will be taken to increase business in rural areas, so that the business of rural people is also good.
AK Abdul Momen said that the Chinese Foreign Minister today called on India to join their initiative.
Asked if there would be a vaccine in China’s proposed emergency medical supplies, he said there was no detailed discussion. These will be finalized later. However, Bangladesh has said that the Vaccine is needed on an emergency basis. Emergency medical equipment, including oxygen, may be needed. It is important to have these. Not just vaccines.
