She asked all to wear masks and wash hands regularly even after taking the vaccine. She also requested all to take the second doses which have to be taken between 8 and 12 weeks of the first shots.

PM Hasina said researchers are still working on finding the effectiveness of the vaccine. “At least it’s giving the people protection but you’ve to keep yourselves more protected," she said, reminding everyone to follow doctors’ recommendations to avoid being infected.

Sheikh Hasina was virtually addressing a discussion meeting marking the Great Martyrs Day and International Mother Language Day from her official residence Ganobhaban. Awami League organised the programme at its 23 Bangabandhu Avenue central office.

Also read: PM Hasina: Other countries also offering vaccines

Bangladesh reported its first coronavirus cases on March 8 and the first death of March 18.

Until Monday morning, the country recorded 543,717 cases, including 8,356 fatalities. Thanks to prompt steps taken by the government, the country averted a public health disaster.

So far, 492,059 coronavirus patients (90.5% of the recorded cases) have recovered. 

Bangladesh signed an agreement with the Serum Institute of India Pvt Ltd for 30 million doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine – 5 million doses each month between January and June this year.

Also read: 64% Bangladeshi say yes to Corona vaccine

India also gifted Bangladesh 2 million doses of the vaccine last month. Bangladesh launched a countrywide vaccination drive on Feb 7. Although reluctant at first, people are receiving the vaccine en masse.

"We’ve collected vaccines [while] many countries couldn’t. It was possible as I took measurers in advance," the prime minister said.

AL general secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader delivered the introductory speech at the programme from 23 Bangabandhu Avenue while its Publicity and Publication sectary D. Abdus Sobhan Golap conducted it from Ganobhaban.

Also read: How do we know the COVID-19 vaccines are safe?

Presidium members Matia Chowdhury, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Abdur Rahman, joint secretary and Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, Religious Affairs Secretary Advocate Sirajul Mostafa, Woman Affairs Secretary Meher Afroj Chumki, Cultural Affairs Secretary Asim Kumar Ukil, Dhaka South unit of AL president Abu Ahammad Mannafi and Dhaka North unit of AL president Sheikh Bazlur Rahman also spoke.

One minute silence was observed to show respect to all martyrs for establishing independent Bangladesh and democracy in the country.