“Government authorities are making unguarded remarks out of fear of losing power. They’re now calling dengue as a rumour like the child-lifting one since they’ve failed to check the spread of the disease,” said BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Speaking at a press conference at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, he further said, “People, including doctors, students and children, are dying of dengue. But the ruling party leaders and mayors are threatening people with legal action (for spreading rumour of dengue).”

On July 25, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Sayeed Khokon said the media reporting on the number of people affected by dengue is nothing but rumour.

He also said the rumour is being spread through social media the way child-kidnapping rumours were propagated.

Rizvi came down hard on Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader for calling BNP central office as a rumour mill, saying their party is speaking in favour of democracy and raising voice against the government’s corruption, failures and repressive acts from their office.

He said their party will continue to raise its voice in fabour of people braving all the odds and repressive acts.

The BNP leader claimed that the health condition of their imprisoned chairperson Khaleda Zia has deteriorated alarmingly. “She (Khaleda) can’t straighten her neck and head. She’s also badly suffering for knee pain and eye ache.”

He demanded the government immediately free Khaleda Zia from jail so that she can receive treatment at any specialised hospital as per her desire.

“Her physical condition is deteriorating fast. Let her stay alive by releasing her from jail and shunning the political vengeance,” Rizvi added.