Bangladesh has 900 tons of oxygen in stock

The government has kept 900 tons of oxygen in stock to tackle any untoward situation like India's oxygen crisis, says Health Minister Zahid Maleque.

"Neighboring India is going through a horrendous situation owing to the oxygen crisis. In order to avoid something like that in our country, about 900 tons of oxygen have been stored under government arrangements, in addition to 450 tons at different government hospitals," the health minister said, while virtually addressing a discussion on Thursday afternoon.

He also said the demand for medical oxygen in Bangladesh is now 70 to 80 tons a day. The country experienced a maximum daily oxygen demand of 210 tons when the second wave of coronavirus peaked here.  

Bangladesh has a daily oxygen production capacity of 220 to 230 tons. Apart from that, two private organizations are supposed to provide a total of 80 tons of oxygen in the next two months.  

"If the (infection) rate remains normal, it will not be a problem to deal with the third wave of coronavirus," the minister said.

The health ministry has recommended a set of emergency measures, including lockdown, to the government in an effort to keep the Covid situation under control.

If people abide by the pandemic instructions and do not move about, shop, and travel recklessly ahead of the upcoming Eid, Bangladesh will be able to tackle Covid-19 even in the face of its third wave, he hoped.