Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina demanded the guarantee of universal and affordable vaccination at the United Nations

The Dhaka Times Desk Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her Bengali address to the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly demanded appropriate global action on universal and affordable vaccine availability to build a Covid-free world.

The current 'vaccine-splitting' trend will only prolong the epidemic, he warned.

Sheikh Hasina said, 'For a Covid-free world, we must ensure universal and affordable vaccine availability for all people worldwide.'

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina followed in the footsteps of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in her 17th Bengali speech as Prime Minister yesterday (Friday) Bangladesh time at the United Nations General Assembly session in New York.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed deep concern over the growing disparity in vaccination between rich and poor countries, saying that 84 percent of the vaccines produced so far have reached people in high and upper-middle income countries. On the other hand, less than 1 percent of low-income countries received the vaccine.

The Prime Minister said that this vaccination discrimination should be eliminated as a matter of urgency. A sustainable recovery will never be possible by keeping millions of people off vaccines. Moreover, we cannot be completely safe.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said immediate transfer of vaccine technology could also be a way to ensure vaccine parity. He pointed out that Bangladesh will also be able to produce vaccines in large quantities with technical support and intellectual property concessions.

The Prime Minister termed the present as a 'critical time', referred to the United Nations as the 'best center of trust' and called on world leaders to work together hand in hand to keep that trust alive. As a strong supporter of multilateralism and the United Nations system, Bangladesh sees the United Nations as a symbol of hope and aspiration in this crisis. We must forget all our differences and rise up as 'One Mankind', harnessing our collective strength to once again build a prosperous world for all.

Apart from dealing with the corona epidemic, he also raised specific 6-point proposals on various issues including dealing with climate change risks, Rohingya return. The Palestinian and Afghan issues also came up in his discussion. At this time, he also expects a stronger role and continued cooperation from world leaders on the Rohingya return issue.

Things to do to prevent Corona virus

# stay at home all the time.
# Follow the rules and use mask when going out for emergency.
# three-layer cloth mask can be washed if desired.
# wash clothes after coming home from outside. Or hang it without shaking for at least four hours.
# Wash hands thoroughly (for at least 20 seconds) with soap or liquid before coming outside.
# plastic PPE or eyes, face, head must be washed thoroughly with detergent and dried after one use.
# Wear PPE made of cloth or clean as described.
# Use a head cap that completely covers the hair.
# Those who have sneeze cough should follow all the rules promulgated by the government. Also, wash hands as directed before and after handling food items, keys, switches, mice, remote controls, mobiles, watches, computer desks, TVs, etc. and after using the bathroom. Those who have dry hands use Moisture after washing their hands. Soap or hand liquid can be used. Why can this virus remain in the crackle (cracked part) of dry hands? Avoid using highly alkaline soaps or detergents.