Covid-19 vaccine drive: Foreign Minister says over 15 lakh inoculated so far

More than 15 lakh people have been vaccinated against Covid-19 in Bangladesh since the country launched its vaccination drive on February 7, said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today.

"Why is there a worry about the vaccination? It's so easy that I didn't feel anything while getting vaccinated! It's a matter of delight that over 15 lakh people have already gotten the vaccine shot. I've heard that the vaccination drive is moving on smoothly," he said.

The Foreign minister spoke to reporters after receiving his first shot of Covid-19 vaccine at Sheikh Russel National Gastroliver Institute.

He also thanked the prime minister, the health minister, and the staffers and employees under the Health Ministry for carrying out the vaccination drive smoothly.

Only 30 to 35 countries have got vaccines and many developed nations are yet to get that, he said adding that vaccines were available in Bangladesh so quickly only for the prudent steps taken by the prime minister.

"I remember the day when the Prime Minister said we have to get the Covid-19 vaccine once it is developed. We contacted many countries and organisations for the vaccine before it is developed so that each person in Bangladesh can get it."

VACCINE FOR ALL 

"We've made a strong call so that everyone in the world gets the vaccine. This is for public good, so no one should be left behind. We need a big partnership with countries and a political commitment from them to help each other," the foreign minister said.

In response to a query over the vaccination of foreign diplomats, Dr Momen said, "It is a continuous process. They'll get the vaccine under a regular process."