The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday approved a proposal to produce Russian and Chinese vaccines locally.
The Ministry Health and Family Welfare had placed the proposal.
Following the approval, Russia's Sputnik V vaccine and one developed by China's Sinopharm will be produced in the country by local pharmaceutical companies.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting, Shahida Akhter, additional secretary of the Cabinet Division, said several Bangladeshi companies are capable of producing these vaccines here.
The production will start as early as possible, she added.
Finance Minister A H M Mustafa Kamal said the country needs to buy vaccines from various sources instead of depending on one.
"Looking for alternative sources does not mean that the existing source is canceled", he added.
"We are pursuing the existing source, and we are also discussing about the Russia's Sputnik V and the one developed by Sinopharm of China as alternative sources," he noted.
The meeting also approved the procurement of RT-PCR test kit and PCR lab consumables, health protection equipments, and medical equipment from private sector suppliers under direct purchase method.
Replying to a query on maintaining the quality of equipment supplied under direct purchase method, Mr Kamal said the committee approves such proposals by making necessary scrutiny and following relevant rules and regulations.
"The line ministries make the procurement; and if there is any anomaly, any mismatch, and failure to ensure quality, that is their issue."
The committee also monitors it, he said, adding that so far no anomaly has been noticed.
Regarding a proposal to set up a bank by the apex trade-body Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the minister said he knows nothing about it.
"I did not receive any proposal, none met me, no discussion took place, and how large the bank will be I don't know."
The FBCCI this week said it wants to set up a bank, micro-finance institution, university, and medical college.
Regarding the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) projection on 5.5 per cent to 6.0 per cent economic growth in the current fiscal year, 2020-21, Mr Kamal said the ADB's forecasts in most cases remain close to the country's achievement.
"If we can attain the ADB's projected figure, that will be very good one, though we expect more."
"Even if we can attain that, Bangladesh will be at a higher (position) than any other country in South Asia and South-East Asia."
The figure that the ADB mentioned is much higher compared to other counties, given the present situation, Mr Kamal added.
Another FE report adds: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said on Wednesday it would help Bangladesh to produce Covid-19 vaccine locally if the country is willing to do so.
Whatever the country needs for immunisation to manage the pandemic, ADB country director Manmohan Parkash said they would help it to that end.
He made the pledge while speaking to journalists at the launch of the Asian Development Outlook virtually.
Mr Parkash said the jab is required not only for six months or for one year, it may be required for two years… So, the best option is to produce it within the country.
"Bangladesh's pharma industry is very good. If any of the manufacturers come forward to us for setting up a joint-venture production plant here with any of the WHO-recognised companies, we're ready to support."
"We have also a private sector investment window in ADB," Mr Parkash went on to say.
As vaccination is very important for economic development, he said, the ADB will help Bangladesh where the way is possible.
"We'll help get supply from global market, we'll provide support for improvement of logistic and storage facilities, and for training health workers."
Mr Parkash said the ADB has already processed $940-million loan for Bangladesh to procure vaccine.
About the delay of the AstraZeneca shipment by India and further options, he said the government could discuss with Thailand and South Korea which have also plants for producing the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Besides, efforts to import Sputnik V vaccine from Russia and Sinopharm from China is also a welcome move, he added.
"The WHO has already approved two vaccines-Pfizer and AstraZeneca-till now. AstraZeneca has already engaged Serum Institute of India and another company in Korea for production."
At the same time, a number of companies like SINOVAC and Sinopharm have also applied to the WHO for getting approval for use across the globe.
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