"It’s the government which has put the Islamic scholars in danger by instigating them to take to the streets to divert people’s attention from the anarchy that is now all around,” said the Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder.

Speaking at a human-chain programme, Zafrullah said, "I would like to tell the alem-ulema to join the movement for the restoration of democracy and registering protest against price hike without getting involved in these unnecessary debates (over statue and idol).”

He also warned the alem-ulema that they will be harmed if they continue the movement over the statue ‘pocketing some ‘money from the government.’

Bangladesh Labour Party arranged the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club protesting ‘corruption’ in the health sector and ‘anarchy’ in the country.

 Zafrullah, also a freedom fighter, crticised the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) for what he said imposing a restriction on holding rallies and public meetings in the city without prior permission.

He said the DMP’s such a notice has shocked the country’s people during a pandemic. “The government did it through the police. I would like to say the police should serve people, not the government.”

The freedom fighter said police personnel have to take bribes as they do not get many facilities like government accommodation. “I request the police force not to comply with the unjustified orders of the government.”

He alleged that people are going through serious ordeals as the prices of every commodity, including medicine, has increased manifold. “If the government can enforce the drug policy, medicine prices will decline by 50% within 15 days.”

Zafrullah said there is no reason to be in a hurry to get a coronavirus vaccine as no vaccine has so far proven safe and effective. “The British Medical Journal has clearly written that a vaccine can’t be checked in a hurry.”

Also read: Reconsider restriction on public gatherings: Zafrullah