Politics
BNP for emergency steps to control corona transmission
Voicing deep concerns over the fresh upsurge in coronavirus transmission, BNP on Tuesday urged the government to take effective steps immediately to contain the pandemic.
“Covid cases are increasing alarmingly. The situation has turned so critical that many of our leaders have died of corona and many others are now receiving treatment for the virus infection. We think the government should take effective preventive measures on an emergency basis,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Also read:BNP's Rizvi hospitalised with Covid-19
The BNP leader said their party has long been urging the government to work out a plan and roadmap in consultation with political parties, other relevant organisations and NGOs to overcome the corona problem. “But they’re not paying heed to it.”
He came up with the comments while talking to reporters after visiting BNP joint secretary general Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel at Holy Family Hospital in the city. Shoel has been receiving treatment at the hospital as he was injured during a clash with police in front of the Jatiya Press Club on February 28.
Fakhrul said the government is unable to tackle the Covid situation as its intention is not clear. “Their only aim is to steal public money. It’s not possible to resolve the problem, when there’s an intention to indulge in corruption.”
Also read:Govt took Covid as a means of business: BNP
He also alleged that the government has no sincerity and devotion to get rid of a dangerous problem like coronavirus which has turned out to be the biggest threat to mankind across the world.
Fakhrul said there are also various speculations about the vaccine as many people who received the jab earlier are now getting infected with the virus.
He said the government is not taking proper action and plans to motivate or force people to wear masks and maintain the health safety rules.
The BNP leader said hospitals lack adequate beds and proper treatment for Covid patients. “Why haven't you arranged adequate beds for so long? People’s sufferings are gradually growing.”
Asked whether a lockdown should be enforced to control the Covid transmission, he said the government should take a decision on the matter trough discussions.
Also read: BNP chalks out corona awareness programme
He regretted that though 50 years have elapsed since the country was liberated, people have lost their democratic and other rights. “The way the government is running the country is not conducive to democracy in any way. Even the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh is now at stake.”
Govt celebrating Golden Jubilee without people: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday alleged that the government is celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Independence keeping people and freedom fighters “away”.
“The government is celebrating the Golden Jubilee without people as it’s become isolated from them. The freedom fighters have no place in the government's Golden Jubilee celebration programmes. Even, political parties have no presence there,” he said
Also read:It's 'cruel mockery' with the nation, Fakhrul about election
The BNP leader said only foreign guests are coming to Bangladesh to celebrate the Golden Jubilee and they are being told and shown that the country is on the crest of development.
Fakhrul made the remarks while talking to reporters after visiting BNP joint secretary general Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel at Holy Family Hospital in the city. Shoel has been receiving treatment at the hospital as he was injured during a clash with police in front of the Jatiya Press Club on February 28.
He said their party must welcome the foreign friends and heads of governments of five countries to Golden Jubilee celebrations.
But the BNP leader voiced anger as the government has “restricted” them from holding the programmes their party has taken to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Independence on the “pretext of foreign guests’ presence. People's movement is also being obstructed.”
Also read:Media being regulated with various laws: Fakhrul
The BNP leader questioned the purpose of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Bangladesh.
“Is the Indian Prime Minister coming here to celebrate the Golden Jubilee, or is he coming to carry out a campaign for the West Bengal Assembly elections? We’re getting such an indication from Indian newspapers and our local newspapers,” he observed.
Referring to media reports, Fakhrul said the main purpose of his visit is to see the temples of their followers as part of a move to appease the voters in West Bengal.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on March 26 on a two-day visit to join the celebrations of 50 years of Bangladesh’s independence and the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
He is also scheduled to visit Bangabandhu Memorial in Tungipara and Orakandi, a sacred shrine of the Matua community in Gopalganj, and another temple in Sathkhira.
Fakhrul said their party has long been saying the unsettled issues, including a fair share of the waters of common rivers and border killing, should be resolved to improve further the bilateral ties with India. “It should also be clear to people about what we’re gaining from increasing the connectivity.”
The BNP leader said their party thinks border killings should be stopped immediately as it is an inhuman act. “The government cannot solve this problem though it says it has a very strong friendship with India.”
Also read: AL succeeded in 'depoliticisation' process: Fakhrul
He said the government has given India the share of water of the Feni River unilaterally, though it has failed to sign any deal over the sharing of water of the Teesta River. “A bridge is also being built for connectivity. But there’s no solution to our basic problems.”
Fakhrul said their party still hopes that the government will solve the problems of the country’s millions of people by presenting their demands in the right way.”
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