‘It was all business’
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader yesterday alleged that the government decision to procure vaccines from a single source was taken from a business point of view.
Addressing a book launching ceremony at the JP chairman's office in the city's Banani, the deputy leader of the opposition said it will not be possible to deal with a pandemic like coronavirus with inadequate number of vaccines collected as gifts and donations alone.
"The health ministry is assuring us every day [about Covid-19 vaccine], but there is no success. Bangladesh has completely failed in the vaccine diplomacy. The ministry is taking a sigh of relief after receiving 5 to 10 lakh vaccines as gifts from different countries," said GM Quader.
The JP chairman said the issue of vaccinating 18 crore people in the country is still uncertain. "There is no credible information in the government's announcement. Frustration has spread among the people of the country about the vaccine."
He further said the government did not keep any alternative source for purchasing vaccine due to its shortsightedness. Besides, there is no clear allocation in the budget for the purchase of vaccine, he added.
GM Quader said coronavirus can spread rapidly if vaccine was not administered properly. "In that case, our medical system will collapse. Mega projects for its development have to be initiated immediately," he said.
"At the same time, the government should promote initiatives for homegrown vaccines," he added.
He said people are frustrated due to continuous extortion by the ruling party cadres. The government couldn't take action against gambling and casino business due to involvement of ruling party men, he alleged.
He said the government is implementing mega projects for getting "mega commissions" from there.
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