Bangladesh set an example of failure in dengue prevention

Nagorik Oikya yesterday slammed the government’s negligence in preventing dengue outbreak, easing the sufferings of flood affected people, stopping rape and food adulteration.  

“All districts of the country are currently gripped by dengue fever and the death toll has risen alarmingly, but the health minister and both mayors of the Dhaka city corporations are deceiving people -- without taking any effective measures against mosquitoes,” said the party convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna.

Speaking at a press conference in the capital’s Jatiya Press Club, he claimed that the insecticide currently being used to kill mosquitoes is not effective.  

“Ineffective insecticide has been bought only to provide unfair privileges to a company, though various newspapers in the last two-three years published reports about it,” he said, adding that the authorities concerned are yet to import effective insecticide.

Citing the prime minister’s directive on dengue, he said, “If the prime minister directive is needed in such a case, then there is no moral right for the two mayors of Dhaka and the health minister as well as others concerned to hold their posts.”

He said that neighbouring West Bengal has set a good example of preventing dengue fever while Bangladesh has set an example of failure in the case.   

“Rather, the government is illogically blaming opposition parties to cover their negligence,” he claimed.

Manna demanded free treatment for dengue patients and regular anti-mosquito operations in every union across the country.

Citing severe sufferings of flood affected people in the country, he said some 120 persons have died due to the government’s failure to  provide adequate relief and treatment for waterborne diseases.

Manna alleged that incidents of rape are on rise as rapists are sheltered by the ruling party leaders and even by law enforcers, instead of being brought to book.

He demanded exemplary punishment for the murderers of Nusrat in Feni and Rifat in Barguna.

He condemned a government official’s threat against Dhaka University Prof ABM Faroque, who claimed to have found antibiotics in pasteurised milk of several brands.

“The government should have given him [Prof Faroque] an award for his research rather than threatening him, which is shameful,” Manna said.

He urged the ruling party to uphold democratic values instead of torturing opposition leaders and activists.