Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said Bangladesh has been able to bring the Covid-19 vaccine as per its requirement, although many developed countries have yet to do this.
“Many developed countries have not been able yet to collect any vaccine for them. Nowhere else I've given my attention. To me, human lives are more important than anything else," she said.
The prime minister made the remarks from Ganabhaban at a virtual meeting organized on the occasion of the 48th founding anniversary of Bangladesh Awami Jubo League at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB).
“I had said whenever the vaccine became available and whenever the World Health Organization (WHO) approved it, Bangladesh would get it first, and that has been proven right,” Hasina said.
Sheikh Hasina also thanked the Indian government for donating 2 million vaccine doses as gifts.
Hasina said many people had said vaccines will not be available in Bangladesh though the government had kept aside Tk1,000 crore for the Covid-19 vaccine.
She urged all those who are getting vaccinated to follow the health guidelines, including wearing masks and washing hands regularly.
About the pandemic, the prime minister said: “Calamities come and will continue to come but we have to remain strong during the difficult time. We have to be there with people and have to take steps in a planned way and work accordingly. This is how we can survive.”
She put emphasis on remaining united and thanked the people of the country for cooperating with the government during the pandemic.