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BSS-42
HASAN-COVID-19-BNP-CRITICIZE
BNP, experts’ apprehensions on corona situation proved wrong: Hasan
DHAKA, June 24, 2020 (BSS)- Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said apprehensions of BNP and some experts on Coronavirus situation in the country has been proved wrong due to timely steps of the government.
“Almost everything remained shut in Bangladesh for more than last three months. Though resumed on a very limited scale, all activities have not yet been started,” he said.
The information minister made the comments while addressing the fourth coordination meeting of Chattogram division on corona situation through video conference from his office at Secretariat here.
Hasan said due to a large and well-planned relief operation and time-befitting steps of the government, not a single people in the country died of starvation.
Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Jabed, Deputy Minister for Education Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, City Mayor AJM Nasir Uddin, Chattogram University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Shirin Akther and Divisional Commissioner of Chattogram ABM Azad, among others, addressed the meeting.
Senior Secretary of Home Ministry Mostafa Kamal Uddin conducted it.
Hasan said there is no wailing for food in the country.
The apprehension of some experts on the possible wailing for food has also been proved wrong, he added.
The information minister said the government has taken many steps concerning the health services and many more are being taken.
“If we can move forward in this way, we could control the pandemic by the grace of the Almighty,” said Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary.
He said the treatment facilities are meant for all, not only for rich people. The government has ensured treatment for all the people across the country at different hospitals including general hospitals in Dhaka, Chattogram and other areas.
About corona situation in Chattogram, the information minister said, “The divisional commissioner has informed that there are 196 ICU beds in Chattogram. Of them, some beds now remain empty. We are trying our level best so that the patients in Chattogram could get better treatment. And we are doing coordination meetings regularly to this end.”
He said the committee led by divisional commissioner is also doing their works with utmost sincerity and looking into the issues locally.
The information minister hoped that the other universities will follow the Chattogram University and Chattogram Veterinary University as they have set examples by making arrangements for COVID-19 tests.
He thanked all government and non-government organizations and individuals who come forward in combating Coronavirus situation and to bury or cremate Corona victims.
Hasan said many decisions have been taken after considering lives and livelihood. And for this, red zones are being selected on area basis, he added.
The information minister also urged the people to maintain all health codes specially in the selected areas.
“The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a war like situation which demands everyone to strictly ensure their self-protection striking a balance between life and elihood. We must maintain all health code . . . My protection is in my own hands,” he added.
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