BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday expressed deep concern over the fresh spread of dengue and a deadly variant of Covid-19, urging the government to take immediate and visible steps, including equipping district-level hospitals with necessary medicines and equipment, to tackle the emerging health risks.
“Ensuring the safety and saving the lives of people is the main responsibility of the government. I have seen that they have taken some steps, but they should take more extensive and visible measures as both dengue and a new variant of Covid-19 are spreading across the country,” he said.
Rizvi made the remarks while talking to reporters at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office.
He said 288 people have been infected with dengue, with 261 of them in the Barishal division alone.
Of the 261 dengue patients in Barishal division, the BNP leader said 202 were reported in just Barguna district.
As dengue spreads like an epidemic in a particular district, Rizvi said the government should form a taskforce on an emergency basis and declare the district an emergency service area. “I want to ask the government why they are not taking such steps.”
He said a new variant of Covid-19—five times deadlier than previous variants like Delta and Omicron—has been spreading in Bangladesh and neighbouring countries. “So, the people want to see the government take visible steps against this health hazard.”
The BNP leader said people across the country also want to know whether hospitals at the grassroots level are equipped with adequate medicines and equipment to deal with dengue and a potential Covid-19 outbreak.
He urged the government and the Ministry of Health to play a proactive role in taking the necessary steps to tackle the spread of dengue and coronavirus.
About the meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman scheduled for Friday in London, Rizvi said the people are very interested in the discussions and is keeping a close watch on what they talk about regarding reforms, the election, its timing and any possible understanding they may reach on these crucial issues.
“These matters are now widely discussed across Bangladesh, and people expect they will be resolved through this meeting. They also anticipate that a positive message will emerge from this high-level meeting, and it is absolutely essential,” he said.
Rizvi said the meeting, set to begin at 9am (London time) on Friday between the Chief Adviser and Tarique, will help ensure peace and stability in the country.
“We wish the meeting every success. It is very important for taking the country forward with a permanent shape of democratic system… this meeting is highly significant and will play an important role in advancing the national election, reforms, and the overall democratic process,” he said.
The BNP leader also hoped that the meeting will help find a positive solution to the key issues of contention.
Referring to the matter of former Awami League minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury’s assets being seized in the UK, he alleged that a certain quarter is spreading propaganda about the Chief Adviser’s visit to Britain in an attempt to divert public attention from their misdeeds.
The BNP leader said only one family and a clique within the Awami League have looted the nation’s wealth over the past 16 years and laundered it abroad.
Prof Yunus-Tarique meeting to usher in a fresh breeze for democracy: Rizvi
He demanded appropriate action against those living in luxury overseas after looting public money through mega projects like the Padma Bridge, flyovers, and quick rental power plants. “Should a party that steals public money be allowed to do politics? They siphoned off huge sums over the past 16 years. They must be tried for looting and for the deaths of the youth and children.”
Rizvi also said India has been continuing the push-in of its citizens into Bangladesh through various border points. “India pushed in its citizens identifying them as foreigners along the borders even yesterday (Wednesday).”
Rizvi questions govt preparedness over new COVID variant spread
The BNP leader further alleged that the Chief Minister of India’s Assam has been making provocative remarks against Bangladesh daily. “Whether this is part of a larger master plan is now a question among the people of Bangladesh and the international community. Why is India suddenly pushing people--none of whom are Bangladeshi citizens-- into our countrty?”
He called upon India to show restraint, stating that these actions challenge Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty. “The people of Bangladesh will not accept this.”