Dhaka: Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman announced that the government plans to procure approximately 95 million doses of 10 different types of vaccines through UNICEF. This initiative aims to bolster the ongoing vaccination efforts nationwide.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Zahed shared the development during a weekly press briefing at the Press Information Department (PID) conference room. The session was attended by Additional Secretary Mohammad Yasin and Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed. Dr Zahed detailed the government's progress across various ministries and revealed that an allocation of US$ 83.6 million has been made to UNICEF for procuring life-saving vaccines, including MR, TD, BCG, TCV, Oral Polio (OPV), and Penta vaccine.
In terms of vaccine delivery, the adviser highlighted that several large consignments first arrived in May. Specifically, 1.5 million doses of IPV were received on May 3, followed by 1.5 million doses of MR and 9 lakh doses of TD vaccine on May 6. By May 10, the government had received approximately 13.2 million doses of vaccines. The plan anticipates the complete delivery of 95 million doses by September.
Dr Zahed assured that there is an adequate stock of TCV and HPV vaccines in the country, and with the new supply, there will be no vaccine shortages for the next 8 to 12 months. UNICEF is providing essential technical support, and the cold chain system has been maintained effectively to ensure vaccine quality.
He emphasized the importance of measles vaccination, noting that the target of administering the MR vaccine to around 18 million children aged between 6 months and 5 years has been met. Guardians are urged to ensure their children are vaccinated if they have not yet received the vaccine. He expressed concern over recent child deaths due to measles, stating that the government is committed to preventing further fatalities.
On energy security, Dr Zahed discussed the 'Modernisation and Expansion of Eastern Refinery Limited (ERL)' project, which is set to continue until 2030. Following a three-week shutdown, ERL resumed operations on May 8, and there was no load shedding in the country until May 11. Furthermore, a central control room will be established in BRTA from May 20-31 to ensure safe travel during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. POS machines will also be installed at toll plazas on 12 bridges by May 20 for automatic toll collection.
The Maritime Safety Week, observed from May 10-16, aims to enhance waterway safety, with measures in place to prevent direct boarding from boats on launches at Sadarghat. Special launch services are being organized for passengers at Basila and Shimulia.