“The corrupt ruling party elements are embezzling the relief materials and low-price rice even amid a serious pandemic like coronavirus. Although Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked her party men not to indulge in corruption over relief distribution , the stealing of rice has not stopped yet. Local public representatives are mainly involved in the theft of rice,” said BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Speaking at a press briefing through videoconferencing, he alleged that at least 2,264  sacks of rice were stolen in the last nine days. "So, we demand that the members of army and other law enforcement agencies be immediately entrusted with the responsibility for the distribution of relief and rice so that the poor and the unemployed people can be benefited from it.”

Rizvi also presented a list of stolen relief goods in different districts based on the news published in newspapers. 

He also alleged that no- one involved in the relief embezzlement has so far been given any exemplary punishment. “That’s why the plunderers have got desperate. Those who deprive the poor of their rights at this critical time are the enemies of the country and humanity.”

The BNP leader urged the government to immediately ensure necessary equipment, medicines and beds at the hospitals since the number of coronavirus patients are growing alarmingly.

He also urged the government to take steps so that doctors and nurses can stay at good hotels after discharging their duties instead of going back to their family members for safety reason.