Vaccines will be bought at any cost: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday reaffirmed that the government would procure vaccines at any cost to protect the people from coronavirus.

"We're bringing more vaccines; no matter how much money is required, we'll bring more vaccines," she said.

The prime minister said this while providing cash support of Tk 2,500 to each of 36.5 lakh low-income families engaged in different occupations so that they can survive amid the pandemic.

She virtually inaugurated the disbursement of financial assistance for marginalised families from her official residence the Gono Bhaban.

Each family will directly receive Tk 2,500 as G2P (Government-to-Person) transaction through mobile financial services (MFS) -- Nagad, bKash, Rocket, and SureCash.

Stressing that the government will put its all-out efforts, Sheikh Hasina said, "We're procuring each dose of the vaccine spending money, but providing it free so that people can stay safe."

Hasina urged all to strictly follow health guidelines for themselves and others, regardless of whether they have taken the vaccine or not.

Later, the prime minister spoke to various people, including beneficiaries of the cash support programme in Bhola, Joypurhat, and Chattogram districts.

An amount of over Tk 1,500 crore has been allocated to ease the sufferings of marginalised people during the second wave of Covid-19.

Soon after the second wave of the virus emerged, the prime minister directed the authorities to start the activities of humanitarian assistance.