Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told the parliament today that the government is going to sign an agreement with South Korea to set up an international institute in the country to produce vaccines, including for Covid-19.

"The present government has taken an initiative to set up an international-standard vaccine institute -- aiming to produce vaccines, including for Covid-19 inoculations in the country," Hasina said in reply to a tabled question from Awami League MP Ahasanul Islam Titu from Tangail-6.

"The matter of ratification and approval of the Cabinet is under process," she added.

The Prime Minister said the government has taken initiative to produce Covid-19 vaccine in the country, alongside collecting jabs from foreign sources, to curb infections.

She said government-to-government (G2G) level discussions are ongoing with countries that had developed vaccines before, so that necessary technology can be brought to our end.

Hasina, also Leader of the House, said the capacity of three firms -- Incepta Pharmaceuticals, Popular Pharmaceuticals, and Healthcare Pharmaceuticals -- have already been assessed regarding the production of Covid-19 vaccines. Globe Biotech Ltd is currently researching for Covid-19 vaccines.

"The vaccine developed by Globe Biotech now remains at the trial stage," she said.

As of June 5, a total of 58,22,177 people were given first jabs of the vaccine, while 42,09,510 people were fully inoculated, said the Prime Minister.