Government goes for herd immunity at cost of lives: politicians

Leaders of different political parties on Wednesday alleged that the government had exposed people to be infected in increased number to earn herd immunity against COVID-19 at the cost of their own lives.

They made the allegation while addressing a discussion marking the founding anniversary of Nagarik Oikya at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity in the capital.

Addressing the discussion online, Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir alleged that the COVID-19 situation in the country had gone beyond control due to the government’s lack of coordination and wrong decision.

He alleged that the government was insincere from the very beginning of the outbreak and took no initiative to check the spread of the deadly virus.

The BNP leader alleged that the government did not provide the doctors, nurses and medical staff with personal protection equipment and masks first and, when provided later, the equipment were found substandard.

He alleged that the government committed corruption in providing the equipment and allowed the doctors, medical staff and common people to be infected with the virus.

Alleging that the government did not try to save the people’s lives, he stressed the need of unity of people as well as all the democratic parties and individuals to tackle the situation.

Ganosamhati Andolan chief coordinator Zonayed Saki alleged that the government did not impose lockdown as they did not want to take responsibility of the people’s livelihood.

He alleged that the government had exposed people to be infected more and more, to earn herd immunity at the cost of people’s lives.

Criticising the government for exercising ‘survival for the fittest’, he urged the government to impose effective lockdown for at least one more month, conducting more and more tests, arranging adequate quarantine and isolation facilities and treatment of infected ones.

Addressing the discussion as the chair, Nagarik Oikya convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna alleged that the government had been pushing people forcibly towards earning herd immunity as they were taking almost no initiatives to control the spread of the virus and save people’s lives.

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-JSD president ASM Abdur Rob, Gano Forum leaders Subrata Chowdhury and Jaglul Haider Afrik and Biplobi Workers’ Party leader Akbor Khan also spoke.

News Courtesy: www.newagebd.net