Singapore sends surgical masks, oxygen concentrators to Bangladesh

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said today that the government of Singapore and its Red Cross have sent 15 lakh surgical masks to Bangladesh government to boost its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

"They will also provide us with oxygen concentrators that are badly needed in our country at this moment", the minister said during a press briefing in the capital on Monday. 

According to Dr AK Abdul Momen, the government is planning to inoculate around eight crore people of the country in the next two months.

"We have decided to vaccinate at least one crore people every week starting from next Saturday (7 August)," he said, adding, "At this rate we will be able to reach our target of vaccinating eight crore countrymen by the next two months."  

"At the outset, I would like to acknowledge the friendly gestures of Singapore Government and Singapore Red Cross Society which has come to the aid of Bangladesh at a very crucial time. We are all aware that we stand today in a world ravaged by a pandemic where essential medical supplies are not easy to get by. Newer variants of the virus have been threatening lives and millions of people are suffering worldwide. It seems that there is no end to this dark period. Yet, we are optimistic as there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We must extend cooperation to the best of our abilities. Through cooperation we can certainly minimize the sufferings," said the minister. 

Singapore is among the top five sources of FDI in Bangladesh. Bangladesh and Singapore share a significant volume of bilateral trade. Singapore hosts a sizable number of Bangladesh diaspora. Two nations take a common stance in different global forums on cross-cutting issues, he said.

"Singapore was the first country to send relief to Bhasan Char after Bangladesh Government relocated Rohingya refugees there. We are hopeful that Singapore would come up to invest in the Special economic and Industrial Zones in Bangladesh and make the most out of the special facilities and opportunities Bangladesh Government provides," said Momen. 

"I trust that all stakeholders of this initiative would properly utilize these to the benefit of the people in addressing the COVID-related challenges. Let me take this opportunity to acknowledge the prudence and significance of such well-timed engagements and express sincere thanks to the donors. I would like to put on record my high appreciation to the Singapore Red Cross for its generous support. Your noble gesture would remain a source of inspiration for health workers, service providers as well as service seekers," he further added.