Dhaka, Beijing in talks over vaccine
Says Chinese envoy
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming yesterday said they are now in close discussion with Bangladesh regarding Covid-19 vaccine assistance.
"China just announced it would provide 10 million Covid vaccines to developing countries through the COVAX initiative," he said in a video message marking the Chinese New Year, wishing a New Year with less coronavirus and more prosperity.
Ambassador Jiming said the Chinese New Year is widely celebrated around the world. "The charm of this ancient festival transcends borders and races. So, join us to welcome a joyful "niu" year."
He added that this was the most important holiday in China and this year marks the year of the ox or cow.
"Mind you, when I say 'new', I actually mean 'niu', the Chinese word for ox or cow, which happens to have the same pronunciation as the English word new," he said.
Ox or cow is generally perceived as an animal that's hard working, tough and reliable, which are some very useful traits in a prolonged pandemic.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh launched a massive countrywide vaccination drive on Feb 7, for which the government procured five million doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from the Serum Institute of India Pvt Ltd last month.
India also gifted two million doses of the vaccine.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last week ordered reducing the age limit from 55 years to 40 to get registered for vaccination to expand and accelerate the drive.