Health Minister Zahid Maleque today said Bangladesh ranks at the top among the countries that received free Covid-19 vaccines from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The minister said this at a programme while exchanging Eid greetings with residents of Manikganj at Shubhra Centre in Manikganj Sadar upazila this noon, reports our Manikganj correspondent.

"Among the nations that received free vaccines for Covid-19 from WHO, Bangladesh is at number 1. They have seen that we have the capacity to conduct mass vaccination, and utilise the benefits without wasting vaccines. That's why they gave vaccines to Bangladesh the most, which is worth more than Tk 20,000 crore," Zahid Maleque said.

"The Covid-19 situation in the country did not improve magically. We worked hard for this. Prime minister relentlessly gave us directives to this end. As a result, we have so far vaccinated 98% of our target population. Around 75% of the country's 17 crore population is vaccinated for Covid-19, due to which the country is now doing well," he added.

"As the Covid-19 situation is under control, people can now happily spend their Eid with near and dear ones, travelling to their home on buses, trains and launches without any problem. They could offer Eid prayers in congregations, and visit their relatives," the minister added.