Health Minister Zahid Maleque has said that World Health Organization will provide the raw materials if Bangladesh wants to produce coronavirus vaccine.
“If we can start the production (of vaccine) then we can meet the demand of the country and export it abroad,” said the minister while addressing at a programme in Dhaka on Thursday. Earlier, the minister inaugurated ‘Drug addiction treatment and mental health counseling center’ in South Keraniganj area.
Zahid Maleque in his speech said, “There is no scope of satisfaction about the control of coronavirus and it must be under control. We have discussion with World Health Organization. If we want to produce coronavirus vaccine in the country then they will help by providing raw materials. If it is possible, we will be able to export vaccines abroad.”
“Tk 20,000 crore has been spent on vaccines so far. If the coronavirus is not under control, nothing in the country including the economy is under control. We have given 80 lakh vaccines in a single day, which has been made possible in very few countries in the world.”
He further said, “Drugs come from different countries and spread in the country. When a person becomes addicted to drugs, he/she destroys himself, family, and even the society and get involved in all sorts of anti-social activities. Sadly, young children are addicted to drugs.”
Zahid Maleque said about 50 lakh people are addicted to drugs in Bangladesh. “This number could be even higher. We hope that the police will work to build such drug rehabilitation centers in every division. Modern treatment facility will cure drug addicts and help them to bring them back to a healthy life.”
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal was present as the chief guest in the programme with Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed in the chair.
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Professor Dr ABM Khurshid Alam and Director General of the Directorate General of Department of Narcotics Control Azizul Islam, were, among others, present at the programme.
