Covid-19 vaccine: Dhaka agrees to Beijing’s proposal to set up emergency storage facility

Bangladesh, in principle, has agreed to a Chinese proposal to set up an "Emergency Covid-19 Vaccine Storage Facility" to ensure quick supply of vaccines among the South Asian countries during emergency.

Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are not producing Covid-19 vaccines, have also received a similar proposal from China and agreed to it.

"We said we don't have any objection. We, in principle, like it (the proposal). Any country might have an emergency need," Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told reporters yesterday.

Bangladesh received the proposal on April 15 and a minister-level meeting will be held on April 27 in this regard, he said.

The foreign minister said Bangladesh sought further details on the proposal, noting that there was a meeting at the secretary level in this regard.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin yesterday said China has taken note of the "recent grave situation" in India with a temporary shortage of anti-epidemic medical supplies.

"We stand ready to provide India with necessary support and assistance to get the epidemic under control," he said.

Dr Momen said China will give 6 lakh doses of vaccine as a gift and hoped that Bangladesh will get a vaccine through commercial purchase soon.