BNP Secretary General
Khaleda’s condition still critical: BNP
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said the condition of their party Chairperson Khaleda Zia is still critical due to post-Covid complications and her comorbidities.
"She (Khaleda) is still in critical condition though she can now breathe without oxygen support,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, Fakhrul said Khaleda’s pressure, body temperature and saturation level are now in good shape. “But some parameters of her condition are in a dangerous condition. She has kidney problems and that's the real problem. She has heart problems and the doctors are still very worried about it.”
He expressed gratitude to the Evercare Hospital authorities as they are providing science services and treatment to Khaleda.
But the BNP leader said this hospital has some limitation and it does not have adequate facilities to ensure advanced treatment to Khaleda for her various health complications. “That’s why her family sought permission to take her abroad.”
Also read: Khaleda ‘improving’, not out of ‘danger’ yet: Doctor
“The condition of our leader was very critical when her family applied to take her abroad. Even the doctors were worried and they also gave a report that the treatment facilities at their hospital are not adequate to tackle a critical patient like her. That's why they thought it would be better if she can go aboard for the treatment,” Fakhrul said.
He said the government had also showed a positive attitude initially and created an impression among people that it would give her permission instead of doing politics with a sick person. “But unfortunately, they changed their tone suddenly and turned down the application. But the logic they showed is completely unacceptable. It’s also a lame excuse.”
Fakhrul said the government has said there is no instance of sending any convicted person abroad. “It’s a wrong explanation and they did it to mislead people.”
He said JSD president ASM Abdur Rob had been in jail in 1979, but then-President Ziaur Rahman freed him as per section 401 of the CrPC, and he was sent to Germany for treatment.
Also read: ‘Vindictive politics’ behind govt’s negative decision on Khaleda: BNP
The BNP leader also said late Awami League leader Mohammad Nasim was convicted in a case in 2008, but he was sent abroad for treatment.
Without mentioning their names, Fakhrul said the death-row convicts and brothers of a highly influential government official were sent abroad exonerating their sentences under section 401. “So, why’re you showing all these lame arguments in the case of Khaleda Zia? You could have said right away that you would not give her permission.”
The BNP leader said Prime Minister’s father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had a big heart as he used to show generosity towards his political opponents.
“You don't have that big heart like Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He had given all facilities to many of his political opponents. He released them from jail and helped them. Had you had such generosity, you would have released Khaleda Zia long ago and allowed her to do politics,” he observed.
The BNP leader said the government has manifested its inhuman and disgusting attitude by turning down the application of Khaleda’s family seeking permission to take her abroad. “We strongly condemn it.”
Also read: Maintain decency while commenting on Khaleda: Fakhrul to ministers
He alleged that the ruling party leaders are making indecent and unacceptable remarks about the ailing BNP chairperson. “I again request them to exercise restraint and shun making such comments on her. Don’t think you’ll be spared all time for making reckless comments. Everything is being noted and people will come up with a befitting reply in time.”
Earlier on Sunday, the government turned down the application of Khaleda Zia’s family seeking permission to send her abroad for advance treatment, saying there is no scope for a convicted person to avail of such a scope.
On May 5, Khaleda’s younger brother Shamim Iskander met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at his Dhanmondi residence and submitted the application to take Khaleda abroad for treatment.
The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup. She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breath on May 3.
On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there.
Also read: Govt turns down family’s application to send Khaleda abroad
Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive.
On May 8, Khaleda Zia tested negative for Covid-19, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus.
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.
‘Vindictive politics’ behind govt’s negative decision on Khaleda: BNP
Voicing frustration and grievances over the denial of permission to send its ailing chairperson Khaleda Zia abroad, BNP on Sunday night said the government made the decision motivated by “vindictive politics”.
Talking to reporters after visiting the BNP chief at Evercare Hospital, party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul also claimed that the government turned down her family’s application seeking permission to send her aboard as part of a plot to eliminate her from politics.
“Undoubtedly, we’re upset and angry over the decision. She was convicted in false cases with a motive to remove her from politics. There’s nothing new, as such a move was also taken during the 1/11,” he said.
Fakhrul said it is very clear that the government wants to eliminate Khaleda from politics following the footstep of the 1/11 regime. “That’s why the government has taken such a decision. “We think this is not a justified decision. It’s unfortunate that the government has taken the decision motivated by its vindictive politics.”
He said the government can allow Khaleda to go abroad or waive her sentences by the same section, CrPC’s section 401, with which they suspended her punishment. “They can forgive a condemned killer or send him abroad. But they can't uphold humanity, values and courtesy towards a popular leader who has contributions to the country’s independence and who played a pivotal role in restoring democracy in the country."
Asked whether they will now appeal to the court or the President for exonerating Khaleda’s sentences paving a way for taking her abroad, Fakhrul said the BNP chairperson’s family will decide their next course of action. “It’s not our party’s application, but her family appealed to the government for taking her abroad. The family will now decide what they may do.”
Also read: Khaleda’s condition looks better: Fakhrul
He said most BNP leaders were implicated in “false” cases while their party’s 35 lakh leaders and activists were also accused in “false” charges as part of a move to keep BNP away from politics. “The main plot is against Khaleda Zia as she’s the most popular leader in the country and the symbol of independence, sovereignty and democracy to the country’s crores of people.”
Fakhrul said Khaleda was sent to jail in false cases when she tried to wage a movement against the “fascist” regime before the last general election.
He said Khaleda has not been getting proper treatment since she has been sent to jail. “We met the Home Minister twice to ensure proper treatment of her. Unfortunately, when she had been shifted to PG (BSMMU) hospital, she didn’t receive the necessary treatment.”
The BNP leader said though Khaleda was released last year amid the coronavirus outbreak, it was not useful for her as she stayed at home.
He said Khaleda has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital as she was infected with the coronavirus. “But doctors themselves said this treatment is not sufficient for her as she is now under serious health risk in consideration of her age and comorbidities due to her post-Covid complications.”
Earlier in the day, the government turned down the application of Khaleda Zia’s family seeking permission to send her abroad for advance treatment as there is no scope for her to avail of such a scope, said Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan.
“The Law Ministry has informed us that there’s no legal provision to allow convicted Khaleda Zia to go abroad for treatment. In the light of such an opinion, the application of her family can’t be granted,” he told reporters at his Secretariat office.
Also read: Govt turns down family’s application to send Khaleda abroad
He said the Law Ministry made it clear that as Khaleda was earlier given a facility by suspending her sentences under section 401 of the CrPC, now there is no scope to waive her sentences after reconsidering the same section for the second time.
Asaduzzaman said they received the application of Khaleda’s family on humanitarian grounds and sent it to the Law Ministry for its legal opinion. “We’re doing everything as per the law. BNP can apply (for sending Khaleda abroad, but we can't do anything beyond the law.”
Talking to UNB, Law Minister Anisul Haq said, “Khaleda Zia's sentences have been suspended as per section 401 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), on condition that she can’t go abroad. So, there’s now no scope to grant her family’s application by relaxing this condition,” he explained.
On Wednesday last, Khaleda’s younger brother Shamim Iskander met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at his Dhanmondi residence and submitted an application seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment.
The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup.
She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breath around 4pm on Monday last. Her breathing problem later eased.
On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there.
Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive.
Meanwhile, Khaleda Zia tested negative for Covid-19 on Saturday, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus.
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.
Khaleda’s condition looks better: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday night said Khaleda’s condition now looks better with the improvement of her saturation level.
“I’ve seen her from a distance for two minutes. It seems to me her condition is now better,” he told reporters after visiting Khaleda at Evercare Hospital.
He said Khaleda now can breathe normally without oxygen support. “Some of her parameters are better and she is now breathing without oxygen. She’s now not facing serious difficulties to go on without oxygen.”
Also read: Maintain decency while commenting on Khaleda: Fakhrul to ministers
Fakhrul, however, said the BNP chairperson is still not out of danger. “There’s still a tube attached to her as fluids were coming out ofvher lungs.
He also said Khaleda’s post-Covid complications are still visible in full swing. “But there’s a sign of improvement in her condition.”
The BNP leader said Khaleda has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital as she was infected with the coronavirus. “But doctors themselves said this treatment is not sufficient for her as she is now under serious health risk in consideration of her age and comorbidities due to her post-Covid complications.”
Also read: Govt turns down family’s application to send Khaleda abroad
The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup.
She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breath around 4pm on Monday last. Her breathing problem later eased.
On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there.
Also read: Khaleda tests negative for Covid
Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive.
Meanwhile, Khaleda Zia tested negative for Covid-19 on Saturday, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus.
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.
Maintain decency while commenting on Khaleda: Fakhrul to ministers
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday urged ministers to make comments on former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia maintaining decency and political etiquette.
“Khaleda Zia is a three-time former ex-Prime Minister who had restored democracy in the country through a long struggle for nine years. She’s now seriously ill. People, politicians and foreign missions here are worried about it,” he said.
Speaking at a virtual discussion, the BNP leader regretted that some ministers are unfortunately making very ‘objectionable and satirical’ remarks about her which are discourteous.
“In fact, they’re exposing their characters with the remarks. They’ve no sense of humanity and decency. I would like to request them to make comments about her by maintaining decency and political etiquette. You please refrain from making indecent comments and keep it in mind that people will not forget everything,” he said.
Replying to a question, the BNP leader said the process of taking Khaleda Zia abroad depends on the government's decision.
Fakhrul said the BNP chief tested negative for the virus and her condition is improving gradually.
“She’s been suffering from various diseases for a long time and those have been aggravated as she couldn’t receive treatment during her long stay in jail. In some cases, her age has become a big problem,” he said.
Besides, the BNP leader said, the post-Covid-complications can damage some of her organs, putting her in health risk.
He said the medical board formed in the Evercare Hospital has been providing Khaleda treatment sincerely. “The hope is that she’s showing a sign of improvement.”
Fakhrul said the BNP chief’s treatment now is not possible without keeping her at the Coronary Care Unit (CCU).
He urged all to pray for her speedy recovery.
Meanwhile, Khaleda Zia tested negative for Covid-19, 27 days after she had been infected with the deadly virus.
“Madam (Khaleda) underwent the Covid test on Saturday and her report came out negative,” the BNP chief’s medical board member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain told UNB early Sunday.
The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup.
She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with shortness of breathing last week.
On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there.
Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 11 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive.
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.
Allow Khaleda to go abroad for treatment: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday urged the government to allow their party chief Khaleda Zia to go abroad for advanced treatment on humanitarian ground as she has been suffering from post-Covid complications.
“Post-Covid complications sometimes go into different directions. She’s an elderly person having many underlying health complications…that’s why most people in our country want her to receive treatment in an advanced hospital,” he said.
Also Read: No change in Khaleda's health condition: Doctor
Speaking at a programme at BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, the BNP leader said,” "Her (Khaleda’s) family sought permission yesterday (Thursday) to send her abroad for advanced treatment. We hope the government will take steps for her treatment abroad on humanitarian ground.”
The programme was arranged to provide Eid gifts to the family members of BNP leaders and activists who died of coronavirus across the country, on behalf of party acting chairman Tarique Rahman. Party leaders said at least 425 BNP leaders and activists have so far died of coronavirus.
Fakhrul said Khaleda Zia has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital since April 27 and doctors are providing her treatment sincerely there. But, he said, she should be given treatment in an advanced hospital abroad considering her underlying health conditions.
On Wednesday night, Khaleda’s younger brother Shamim Iskander met Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at his Dhamanmondi residence and submitted an application seeking permission to send her abroad for advanced treatment.
Also Read: Corona-infected Khaleda hospitalised
The 76-year-old BNP chief, who tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup.
She was shifted to the CCU of the hospital with the shortness of breath around 4pm on Monday. Her breathing problem later eased.
On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there.
Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive.
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government freed Khaleda Zia from jail for six months through an executive order suspending her sentences on March 25 last year.
She was released from the prison cell of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) the same day, and she has been staying at her Gulshan house since then.
On August 27 last year, the government extended her release for six more months and it was extended again for six months on March 15 last.
On February 8, 2018, Khaleda was sent to the Old Dhaka Central Jail after a lower court sentenced her to five years’ imprisonment in Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. The High Court later doubled her jail term.
Khaleda was found guilty in another corruption case the same year. Her party claims both the cases are politically motivated.
Prayers for Khaleda
Meanwhile, Mirza Fakhrul announced that their party leaders and activists will arrange doa mahfil in mosques across the country after Juma’ prayers on Friday seeking divine blessings for her speedy recovery.
Besides, he said, prayer sessions will also be arranged at other worship places of different other religious communities for the BNP chief.
Health sector collapsed due to corruption: BNP
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday alleged that the health sector has co collapsed amid coronavirus pandemic due to ‘widespread corruption and irregularities, putting the entire nation in danger.
"On one hand, they’re lying about corona tests and indulging in corruption and irregularities over treatment on the other, leaving the country in jeopardy,” he said.
He came up with the allegation while inaugurating an app developed by Ziaur Rahman Foundation to provide healthcare services to coronavirus-infected patients.
Also read: Intensify efforts to procure vaccines for alternative sources: BNP
The BNP leader said, “We saw a few days ago that two hospitals have disappeared. The health sector has collapsed due to widespread corruption in the health ministry during the coronavirus pandemic.”
Fakhrul said the government has announced stimulus packages to ensure people’s livelihoods and tackle the Covid fallouts. “But they’re resorting to corruption there as well. No arrangement has been made for easing the public sufferings.”
Also read: Govt doing business in Covid’s name: BNP
He said the government is hardly concerned about ensuring people’s livelihoods and security of their lives since it has no accountability. “The government has completely become isolated from people. The entire nation has been suffering due to the irresponsibility of the current regime.”
The BNP leader alleged that the coronavirus has spread in the country due to the government’s extreme incompetence and ignorance since the beginning of the pandemic. "Unfortunately, no effective step has so far been taken by the government to ensure proper treatment of the Covid patients and develop the treatment system.”
Also read: Engaging single organisation in buying vaccines a ‘suicidal’ move: BNP
He said it is not possible to deal with a serious crisis like the corona pandemic without a democratic government. “We need to establish a democratic governing system and a democratic government and parliament to ensure accountability and state responsibility towards people.
Stating that their party chairperson Khaleda Zia has been receiving treatment at a city hospital for her serious illness, Fakhrul urged all to pray for her speedy recovery.
No specific allocation for low-income people, bemoans BNP
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said though the lowly-paid workers and day-labourers have been the worst victims of the pandemic, the government has not yet made any specific allocation for them.
Speaking at a virtual discussion, he also alleged that pro-ruling party people are mainly taking benefits of the stimulus packages announced by the government for the pandemic victims.
“We’ve repeatedly said the government should help mainly those who live from hand to mouth and those who work in the informal and SME sectors during the corona period. Our poor brothers and sisters have been suffering most since the outbreak of the pandemic, but there’s no allocation for them in the packages announced by the government. There’s no specific allocation for them,” Fakhrul said.
He said their party proposed providing each affected worker with a one-time incentive of at least Tk 15,000 for three months, but the government did not pay heed to it. "Government officials and the cohorts of Awami League are taking away all the incentives that have been announced for owners.”
Also read: Govt doing business in Covid’s name: BNP
Jatityatabadi Sramik Dal, the workers’ wing of BNP, arranged the virtual programme marking its 42nd founding anniversary and historic May Day.
Fakhrul criticised the government for extending the lockdown without taking any step to mitigate the sufferings of the poor, workers and the day-labourers.
“The government has enforced the lockdown without taking any step for easing the sufferings of the day-labourers and other lowly-paid workers and the poor. They did it to make their political gains by carrying out crackdowns in the name of the lockdown.”
The BNP leader said the government has been arresting the leaders and activists of different Islamic and student organisations taking advantage of the lockdown. “They (govt) are arresting those who speak against them. The entire nation has become hostage to them.”
He urged the young generation and the workers to get united and play a leading role in a movement for establishing a pro-people government and people’s basic rights.
Also read: Engaging single organisation in buying vaccines a ‘suicidal’ move: BNP
Khaleda’s condition
About the health condition of their party chairperson Khaleda Zia, Fakhrul said she was moved to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of the Evercare Hospital on Monday due to the shortness of breath.
“She’s is still in the CCU, and she’s being given oxygen. Her condition is now stable,” he said.
Fakhrul said doctors are hopeful that Khaleda will recover soon. He urged all to pray for her speedy recovery.
Khaleda, tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup.
On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there.
Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive.
Intensify efforts to procure vaccines for alternative sources: BNP
Voicing concerns over the suspension of administering the first dose of Covid vaccine in Bangladesh, the BNP standing committee has urged the government to intensify its efforts for collecting the jabs from alternative sources.
“Our standing committee is worried over the vaccine crisis and the suspension of the vaccination programme. The government couldn’t collect the necessary vaccine doses due to its irresponsibility and incompetence,” BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Sunday.
Speaking at a virtual press conference on the outcomes of BNP standing committee’s meeting held on Saturday, he said the government has also failed to take the right decision on the vaccine import as it has become “isolated from people”.
Also read: Govt doing business in Covid’s name: BNP
“Corruption is the main reason behind such a vaccine crisis. They’ve taken a wrong decision on procuring the vaccine from a single source in India through a corrupt company owned by a leader of their party,” the BNP leader observed.
Fakhrul said their party and the country’s health experts had warned the government of the consequences of procuring the vaccine from a single source, but it did not change its stance.
“They (govt) didn’t look for an alternative source of the corona vaccine as it always thinks of benefits of its leaders, not people…the government is running the country with some mafias and the mafias are playing the important role in making decisions and running the country,” he alleged.
Also read: Engaging single organisation in buying vaccines a ‘suicidal’ move: BNP
The BNP leader said there is no alternative to installing a pro-people government through a credible election under a non-party administration to get rid of the current situation of the country.
He said the Serum Institute of India has violated the agreement on providing three crores of vaccine to Bangladesh by stopping the supply after only giving 70 lakh jabs, but the government did not raise voice against it.
Fakhrul said their standing committee urged the government to take necessary steps for increasing oxygen production in the country alongside immediately procuring the vaccine from alternative sources.
Govt doing business in Covid’s name: BNP
Taking a swipe at the government for the current crisis over the Covid vaccine, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday accused it of indulging in business in the name of coronavirus.
“The government is not accountable to anybody as it has no connection with people. So, it’s doing business with the coronavirus pandemic,” he said.
The BNP leader said, "We had warned the government earlier that the vaccine shouldn’t be taken from a single source. But they’ve taken the vaccine from only one source for their own benefit. As a result, the country is now facing a vaccine crisis.”
Fakhrul made the remarks while speaking at a programme at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office.
Also read: Engaging single organisation in buying vaccines a ‘suicidal’ move: BNP
At the programme, he, on behalf of party acting chairman Tarique Rahman, presented eid gifts to the family members of those leaders of BNP and its associate bodies who were subjected to enforced disappearance and killing during the current government.
He alleged that the government did not take effective steps to tackle coronavirus and ensure proper treatment for people over the last one and a half years. “They’ve only worked on how to make money, how to indulge in corruption. So, people are not getting treatment and they’re going from one hospital to another for ICU beds.”
The BNP leader said their party had called on the government over a year back to contact Russia and China as alternative sources for vaccines, but they did not pay heed to it. “They’re now going to sign deals with China and Russia after killing plenty of time. They’re now drinking muddy water ignoring the fresh one.”
He said the government should have taken united steps to tackle a national disaster like coronavirus by sitting with all the political parties and relevant stakeholders.
Also read: Coronavirus: BNP urges govt to shut borders with India
Pointing at the family members of the victims of enforced disappearance, Fakhrul said their party has no strength to recover the losses they have suffered with the disappearances of their loved ones. “That’s not possible either. Every year such events make us emotional, and when I appear before you like this, I feel guilty as we’ve so far not been able to change the situation.”
Fakhrul said BNP's over 500 leaders and activists were subjected to enforced disappearance over a decade.
Referring to different rights bodies’ statistics, he said 601 people were made disappeared during 2009 to 2019 while 2,817 were subjected to extrajudicial and other killings.
"So many people have had to give their lives and so many young people have had to leave… The government and Awami League must be accountable one day to the victims’ families and the entire nation for this," the BNP leader warned.
Engaging single organisation in buying vaccines a ‘suicidal’ move: BNP
Voicing concerns over the Covid vaccine crisis in the country, BNP on Monday said the government’s decision to procure it by a single organisation from a single source was ‘suicidal’.
“Our standing committee expressed deep concerns and anger over the uncertainty of Covid vaccine availability due to failure of and corruption by the government and importer Beximco Group,” said BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Also read:Govt made Bangladesh a 'hell': Fakhrul
Speaking at a virtual press conference to convey the decisions of the party standing committee meeting held on Saturday, he said, “BNP warned earlier that the decision of giving the responsibility to a single organisation to collect vaccines from a single source could be suicidal.”
He also said the government has committed a criminal offence by giving a pro-ruling party business organisation the responsibility to procure the vaccine without thinking about the interests of people. “They (govt) will have to face trial in the future for this criminal act.”
Fakhrul also said their party thinks the government should quit for committing the crime over the vaccine procurement and its failure to ensure the jabs for people. “Amid such a big global pandemic and catastrophe, the government is just making wrong decisions, and the financial relation is behind all this. As a result, people are now not getting the vaccine.”
The BNP leader said the country needs to attain herd immunity by vaccinating 12. 5 core people. “But the government has put the entire nation in danger with its incompetence, failure, corruption and profit-making mentality.”
Also read:Fakhrul regrets BNP's failure to revitalise organisations
He said though the Serum Institute of India was paid Tk 1.5 crore vaccine in advance, the country has so far received 70 lakh jabs only.
Fakhrul said the government has stopped giving the first dose of vaccine as the Serum Institute expressed unwillingness to provide the rest of the vaccine jabs due to the Indian government's ban on vaccine export.
He said their standing committee thinks the government should reach an understanding with the Indian government for getting the vaccine as per the agreement and payment.
Fakhrul said the government also can take legal action at the international level if it fails to reach a negotiation with the Indian government and Serum Institute over receiving the vaccine.
He alleged that the poor, low-income people and day-labourers have been going through a tough time as the government has not given them any financial support during the ongoing lockdown.
The BNP leader demanded the government immediately announce an incentive package for them to ease their sufferings.
Fakhrul alleged that a vested quarter has been carrying out false propaganda by creating ‘fake’ Facebook accounts in the name of top BNP leaders and Zia family members. “We strongly condemn it.”