Dr Zafrullah receives vaccine, urges all to take

Receiving the vaccine on the first day of Covid-19 mass vaccination drive, Gonoshasthya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury on Sunday urged all to take it without fear.

Dr Zafrullah, also a freedom fighter, was vaccinated at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) around 1:15pm.

Later, talking to reporters, he said, "I'm fine. There's no reason to get panicked. I urge the country's people to get vaccinated whenever your date comes. It's your duty to receive the vaccine."

Zafrullah called upon Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to receive the vaccine soon to encourage people to follow suit.

"Many people have been vaccinated. Had the Prime Minister taken the vaccine today, the people of the country would have gotten more confidence in the vaccine," he observed.

Zafrullah said BNP leaders and activists also should receive the vaccine since they have to run here and there in the field. "They (BNP leaders and activists) have to remain fit and healthy, if they want to wage a movement."

He, however, said Khaleda Zia should receive it taking doctors' advice since she has many health complications and arthritic problems.

The freedom fighter urged the government to take necessary steps so that common people, including rickshaw-pullers, shopkeepers, domestic helps and day-labourers, get the vaccine. 

"We need to make sure that those who're poor and those who cannot afford it get vaccinated," he opined.

Zafrullah, also a public health expert, praised the government's management in providing the vaccine.

The government launched a countrywide Covid-19 mass vaccination drive in the morning, aiming to eradicate the deadly virus.

Health Minister Zahid Maleque inaugurated the nationwide vaccination programme through a videoconference from the Health Directorate around 10:30 am.

The vaccine is being administered at 1,005 centers across the country.