Forge nat’l consensus

Putting forward a five-point proposal, Jatiya Oikyafront yesterday urged the government to forge a national consensus to tackle the coronavirus crisis.

The front in a statement also asked for the formation of an "Emergency Economic Council" based on national consensus to deal with the post-coronavirus socioeconomic situation.

It said overcoming any disaster with a "narrow and partisan" attitude was not possible.

"It is now urgently necessary for the government to ensure the essential lifesaving healthcare services to 18 crore people who are at the risk of coronavirus, and expand the coronavirus testing facilities across the country," the statement issued yesterday said.

The political alliance said the number of cases were gradually growing in Bangladesh, creating panic among people.

It said the lack of coordination in reopening and shutting down RMG factories eroded people's confidence.

The five point-proposals of the alliance included forging a national consensus with the participation of all political parties, professional and social organisations, experts and all organs of the nation.

It urged formation of an all-party task force and adopt national and regional action plans giving health services the highest priority.

Other demands of the alliance included taking special initiatives to protect the displaced Rohingyas from the outbreak; and introducing food rationing at fair prices for the unemployed, female RMG workers, labourers, marginal farmers, physically-challenged, and disadvantaged children.

Gonoforum President and top leader of the Jatiya Oikyafront Dr Kamal Hossain, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP standing committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President ASM Abdur Rob, Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna, and Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury signed the statement among others.