Western countries' monopolistic control over the invention, production and distribution of Covid-19 vaccines will prolong the pandemic, said speakers at a discussion yesterday.

The government must be self-dependent by using local talent and resources to fight the pandemic, they said at the event, titled "Covid-19, Variant of Concern Delta-Omicron: Science, Ethics and Disparity", held at Gonoshasthaya Kendra in Dhaka.

Bangladesh relied on western companies or Oxford University to develop vaccines, and China and Germany for developing Covid-testing kits, said Prof Sayedur Rahman, chairperson of pharmacology department at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University.

He said the vaccine disparity is the reason behind the emergence of new Covid-19 variants, which prolonged the pandemic.

However, the global media "intentionally" blamed African countries instead of highlighting the strategy to tackle Omicron, he said at the event organised by Gonoshasthaya Samaj Vittik Medical College Hospital.

He also criticised the government for slapping travel restrictions on seven African countries over Omicron, just like the UK did.

"The government should have arranged the same management measures for all arrivals via all ports," he said.

Joining online, Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury alleged that they did not receive approval for their Covid-19 kits for commercial reasons.

At the beginning of the discussion, Dr Bijon Kumar Sil, chairperson of microbiology department at Gono Bishwabidyalay, explained the mutations of Omicron and potential threats it poses.

"Omicron is a super-mutated version of the Delta variant, but it may not be as fatal as Delta. But emergency responses should be wearing masks and taking vaccine," Dr Bijon said.

Conducted by Dr Mohibullah Khandakar, vice-principal of Gonoshasthaya Samaj Vittik Medical College, teachers and students also attended the event.