Bangladesh will explore all options for Covid-19 vaccine: Foreign secretary

Bangladesh will explore all avenues to get quick access to Covid-19 vaccine and choose one which will be safe and useful for Bangladesh, said Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen.

"As part of discussions with others, we'll discuss the issue (vaccine) with India. We should have all options and we'll head for that one which'll be safer and useful for us," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.

Masud said Bangladesh will discuss with India whether there is any scope for trial of the vaccine here.

The Foreign Secretary also mentioned about the countries, including China, Russia, America and the UK, for discussions and cooperation.

He said he will hold a meeting with visiting Indian Foreign Secretary on Wednesday to discuss ways to further improve the relations between Bangladesh and India.

Mentioning India's engagement in developing Covid-19 vaccine, the Foreign Secretary said, "We can update each other on the issue."

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla arrived in Dhaka on a two-day visit on Tuesday carrying a message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Foreign Secretary Shringla is on a visit to Dhaka to discuss and take forward cooperation on matters of mutual interest, said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka soon after his arrival.

"It's not a sudden visit. India is our important neighbour. We have lot of interactions with India," said Foreign Secretary Masud.

He indicated that there will be a courtesy call with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina but did not elaborate when it will be held.

Shringla is expected to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence and hand over the message he is carrying from Prime Minister Modi, a senior official told UNB.

They are expected to discuss ways to strengthen the ties between the two neighbouring countries apart from issues related to cooperation on Covid-19 front.