Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Monday said around 50 lakh (five million) doses of Covid-19 vaccines will arrive in Bangladesh within January 25-26.

Besides, the Indian government will give some vaccines to Bangladesh as gift, he said.

The minister came up with the remark while addressing “Meet the Press" event at Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) in the capital today noon.

Maleque said arrangements will be made for vaccine import and inoculation at private level. However, the government will fix the vaccine prices in such case. A guideline is being prepared in this regard. 

Mentioning that the Serum Institute of India will export the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine to Bangladesh, he said the government will bear the expense for treatment if anyone experiences side effects after vaccination.

"As per WHO guidelines, we will vaccinate those first who are working with risks. And elderly people will get more priority. People below the age of 18 will not get the vaccine," the minister said.

He said all the reporters of the country will get the vaccine in due time.

"ICT department is developing an "app" to provide vaccine properly," he also said.

BDST: 1545 HRS, JAN 18, 2021
AP/SMS