News Desk :
Bangladesh has requested India to supply AstraZeneca vaccine as the stock of available vaccine will run out soon, affecting the inoculation campaign in the country.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen made the request during a phone call with Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday.
Under an agreement between Bangladesh government, Beximco Pharmaceuticals and Serum Institute of India, Bangladesh received only 10.2 million vaccines of 30 million doses. Amid severe Covid-19 infections and deaths, India halted exports of vaccines since March.
In response, Jaishankar said he is aware of the situation in Bangladesh and the demand of AstraZeneca vaccines.
Foreign Minister Momen said as India could not supply vaccine in time, Bangladesh requested the US to supply it immediately. He also told his Indian counterpart that he may request the US to supply vaccine to Bangladesh. Jaishankar said he would make the request to the US.
Momen expressed condolences at the deaths of people in India due to Covid-19 infection and cyclone.
Meanwhile, at least 1014 Bangladeshi expatriate professionals, including doctors, engineers, professors led by Dr AFM Haque have written an application to the White House requesting supply of vaccines to Bangladesh.
Besides, Georgia State Senator Sheikh Rahman, Bangabandhu Foundation US Branch and Muktijoddha Council there also requested the White House for sending vaccines to Bangladesh.
