‘Gifts’ for taking vaccine: Saree, lungi, flowers, money

As soon as the mass vaccination programme started across the country, so did some out of the box Bengali phenomenons.

In some places, prize bonds have been given to encourage vaccinations, some were greeted with flowers. In some areas, VIPs have competed for vaccinations. The MPs or those trying to win elections are also giving out sarees and lungis.

For example, Natore MP Abdul Quddus had given saris and lungi to 41 men and women to encourage them to get vaccinated in Gurudaspur and gave out Tk 100 prize bonds in Baraigram upazila, both of which are constituency of this MP.

After inaugurating the vaccination programme at Baraigram Upazila Health Complex yesterday morning, the MP handed over the prize bonds. However, the MP did not take the vaccine himself due to physical problems.

In another instance, Pakundia district Upazila Health Officer Dr Sharmin Shahnaz greeted the first 10 people to receive the vaccine in with flowers.