ED: All the help we can get

So far, the vaccination process in Bangladesh has been nothing short of exemplary. This would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of countless workers, both in the health sector, and in government. 

At a time when even the most developed nations of the world are overwhelmed by the challenges of vaccination, Bangladesh is pushing ahead, one day at a time. Those who have received a dose of the vaccine have reported a quick registration process, and an easy, friendly experience on the day of getting the jab. Hats off to all those who made this possible.

There is, however, a long way to go. While the more privileged segments of Bangladesh are at ease with online registration and with the usage of apps, there are others in the country that are lost in this process. That is why it is so good to see the government decide to bring in non-governmental organizations into the process to reach out and help vaccinate the disadvantaged people and the marginalized communities of Bangladesh. 

While Digital Bangladesh is the goal, and the dream, the reality is that we are still a long way from internet access and digital literacy for all. It is no surprise, then, that a health official in charge of Covid-19 vaccinations at a major Dhaka hospital has said the ratio of vaccinated people in favour of the privileged was 9:1. 

But there is good reason to hope that with the NGOs brought into the process, we will troubleshoot the current limitations of the process. We are still in the early stages, and for now, the momentum is good. As more and more people get vaccinated, we can hope that the shortcomings of the system will be ironed out, and everybody, regardless of place in society, will find it quick and easy to get vaccinated.