PM reiterates call to follow health safety guidelines

Prime Minister and Leader of the House Sheikh Hasina reiterated her call to the countrymen, particularly the lawmakers, to follow the health guidelines properly as she joined a discussion on an obituary motion at parliament.

"It is truly a matter of shock that we have lost so many lawmakers of the parliament. We don't want to take any such condolence motion," she said.

Taking part in the discussion on the obituary reference to the death of Jatiya Party lawmaker from the reserved seat for women Prof Masuda M Rashid Chowdhury yesterday, the PM said, "Two lawmakers passed away at the first two consecutive days of this parliament session and today [Monday] another parliamentarian died."

Prof Masuda passed away early Monday while undergoing treatment at city's Birdem hospital.

Hasina added, "All, including those who received vaccines, will have to follow the health guidelines properly, particularly during the period of the coronavirus pandemic."

Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury moved the condolence motion to the 14th session of the 11th parliament. The motion was later adopted unanimously.

Yesterday's session has been adjourned till 10:30am today after adoption of the obituary reference over the death of Prof Masuda to pay last respect to her as per the tradition.

Hasina said, "Masuda M Rashid Chowdhury could have contributed more to the society if she had been alive. Her death is a great loss to the society."

She said Prof Masuda was also a political leader, social worker, women entrepreneur, artist, a university teacher and a knowledgeable person.

"Her multifaceted talent will inspire our womenfolk alongside giving them strength and courage to go ahead," she continued.

The premier prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family and also wished good health of everyone staying at home and abroad.

Awami League lawmakers Moslem Uddin Ahmed, Md Abdus Sobhan Miah, Syeda Zohra Alauddin, Simeen Hussain Rimi and Waseqa Ayesha Khan took part in the discussion.

Among JP lawmakers, Deputy Opposition Leader GM Quader, Opposition Chief Whip Moshiur Rahman Ranga, barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud, Kazi Firoz Rashid, Nazma Akther and Shamim Haider Patwary and BNP lawmaker Harunur Rashid also spoke on the occasion.

A one-minute silence was observed at the Jatiya Sangsad to show respect to the deceased lawmaker.