“The health sector is not there in their (govt) priority. Their only priority is to create mega projects and indulge in mega plundering as a grand festival of corruption is going on," he said.

The BNP leader came up with the allegation while virtually inaugurating a programme of Doctors’ Association of Bangladesh, a pro-BNP body of physicians.

He regretted that the government still did not approve the coronavirus testing kit developed by Gonoshasthaya Kendra only to continue corruption in the name of procuring kits.

“We should keep it in mind that the current government is a one-party and fascist one. A despotic regime never works for the welfare of people. Only a democratic government can tackle a pandemic like coronavirus,” Fakhrul observed.

He called upon their party leaders and activists to stand by people to save their lives and livelihoods and work for turning Bangladesh into a democratic country.

The BNP leader alleged that people are not getting treatment at hospitals as the health sector has collapsed.

He criticised the government for what he said having failed to ensure the safety of doctors and provide them with quality safety gears.

Fakhrul said their party earlier proposed keeping doctors who are engaged in coronavirus treatment at the big hospitals on health safety ground, but the government could not do it.

He alleged that the government is not providing people with authentic information about the fresh infections and deaths.

“Experts are saying correct information is necessary to tackle a corona-like pandemic. But they’re not giving people the right information.”

The BNP leader also said the country’s real corona picture still cannot be known due to the poor testing capacity.

Fakhrul said the government could have contained the outbreak of the virus had it taken prudent steps in consultation with all parties and stakeholders.

About the proposed budget for the next fiscal, he said the government did not frame the budget in the light of the current crisis and saving people’s lives and properly equipping the hospitals.

Fakhrul said people are now dyeing for lack of oxygen, ICUs and ventilators due to the government’s negligence.

The BNP leader said their party has been distributing relief materials among the poor and needy people as per the directives of their party chairperson and acting chairman.

He claimed they could reach around two crore people with their relief and financial assistance.