BSS-21 Hasan urges all to stand by people to prevent coronavirus

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ZCZC

BSS-21

COVID-19-HASAN

Hasan urges all to stand by people to prevent coronavirus

CHATTOGRAM, March 20, 2020 (BSS) – Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today urged all to stand by the people shunning all political differences to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the country.

“I urge all political parties, including BNP, to combat the deadly coronavirus disease… It will be unfortunate, if anyone will do politics over the COVID-19 as it emerged as a disaster in the world,” he made the call at a press briefing after exchanging views with the officials of Bangladesh Television, Chattogram here.

General Manager of BTV, Chattogram centre Nitai Kumar Bhattachariya presided over the discussion while Bureau Chief of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Kalim Sarwar, Editor of Ekushey Patrika Azad Talukdar and General Secretary of Chattogram TV Journalists Association (CTJA) Latia Ansari Runa, among others, were present on the occasion.

Urging all not to spread rumors over coronavirus, Hasan said all agencies concerned have been asked to identify the persons who are involved with spreading rumors on coronavirus.

He said the government is committed to take stern actions against those who are involved in spreading rumors over COVID-19 to create panic among people.

The information minister said BNP is creating confusion capitalizing on the coronovirus situation to misguide the people of the country.

The Health Ministry and its all departments concerned are working sincerely to make the people aware about the deadly coronovirus through disseminating necessary information, he added.

Hasan, also the Joint General Secretary of Awami League, said the government has taken all adequate measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. “We have cancelled various programme on the Mujib Borsho to protect the people from infection of coronavirus,” he added.

BNP is resorting to falsehood on coronavirus situation and the initiatives taken by the government to tackle the deadly virus, he added.

“The government will take stern action against rumor-mongers…..I urge the people not to be panicked on COVID-19 as the government has directed all departments concerned to get prepared for successfully handling the disease,” the information minister added.

Turning down the allegation of BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi that the government failed to contain the coronavirus, Dr. Hassan said, “Coronovirus has emerged as a disaster across the planet… Developed countries, including the USA, could not escape from the coronavirus disease.”

Despite having better healthcare facilities, European nations and wealthy countries, including Saudi Arabia, are struggling to contain the spread of coronavirus, the minister added.

“Bangladesh has taken various steps and the coronavirus situation in our country is still better than many countries in the globe”, he added.

Hasan said “Different countries in the world are facing problems to deal with the coronavirus crisis. After taking massive initiatives, China has been able to control the disease, where it was first detected,”

He said, “We have learned from media that there has been some progress for inventing coronavirus prevention vaccine.”

Already, more than 167 countries out of 200 have been infected with the disease around the world, he said.

Hasan said BTV Chattogram centre would be upgraded to a terrestrial service very soon.

“So the procurement of equipment is underway. BTV Chattogram centre will start as a full-fledged terrestrial channel within six months, which is now being operated as a satellite channel, he added.

After assuming power by Sheikh Hasina in 1996, one hour program of Chattogram Centre increased to 3 hours, but these programs could not be viewed in other parts of the country.

“Gradually, it has been transformed into a full-fledged television station. We will also launching commercial and English news programme from BTV Chattogram Centre very soon”, he added.

Some short and long-term plans, including building another studio and auditorium, have been taken, the minister said adding.

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