Congratulations to North South University Genome Research Institute, which has become the first private university in Bangladesh to sequence the genome of coronavirus samples in Bangladesh. Eight samples have been sequenced, and there are plans to sequence 100 more genomes.
It is also admirable that all the data has been released in the genome database GISAID, and is available for public analysis. Indeed, at a time like this, sharing knowledge is crucial to broadening our understanding of a global problem. Right now, the world is eagerly awaiting the development of a Covid-19 vaccine, and scientists are working tirelessly towards this goal.
The sequencing of data from different places will help in large part to speed up Covid-19 research in Bangladesh, including the development of a vaccine. It is good to see Bangladesh taking the science seriously because this is an all hands on deck scenario.
As of now, there are doctors from Bangladesh Medical College, China’s Sinovac Research and Development Co Ltd, and the icddr,b working on vaccines. This is not a case of rushing to be first, but one of working cooperatively, and sharing knowledge and new findings for the public good, idealistic as that may sound.
China has recently said Bangladesh would get priority in the event of the development of a vaccine, which is also a sign of hope. Given China’s resources and manpower, it is likely that China will play a key role in the global distribution of vaccines, and Bangladesh can be a useful partner in this regard.
The pandemic knows no borders and affects every single citizen. As such, it is in all our interests to put profit or nationalism aside and do what it takes to wipe coronavirus from the world.