Staff Reporter
Leader of the Opposition and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday urged
the government to allow the private sector to import dengue vaccines if it has no initiative to bring them
through government channels.
He made the call while inaugurating a weeklong nationwide dengue prevention awareness campaign by
Jamaat at Madhubagh playground in Hatirjheel in the capital.
The campaign, which will run until October 10, aims to raise public awareness about dengue prevention
and encourage people to take measures against the spread of the disease.
Speaking as the chief guest, Shafiqur said dengue vaccines are available in the world but alleged that the
government has taken no initiative to bring them to Bangladesh.
“If the government has no initiative to bring the vaccine, then open the way for the private sector to
import it. At least then people will have access to a means of protection,” he said.
The opposition leader alleged that the government will neither bring the vaccine itself nor open the
market for private import, and claimed that if it imports the vaccine, people could be subjected to
additional costs through commissions at different stages.
He said the government is responsible for public money and is the custodian of taxpayers' money, urging
it to take responsibility for protecting people's lives.
Shafiqur also called on the government to immediately take practical measures to control mosquitoes,
undertake social measures to prevent dengue and ensure proper treatment for those affected.
“We will not sit idle during this crisis,” he said, adding that Jamaat has launched the weeklong program to
raise public awareness and contribute to dengue prevention across the country.
Later, the Jamaat chief distributed leaflets containing dengue prevention guidelines and bleaching powder
among people.
Speaking as a special guest, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar alleged that the government
has “completely failed” to tackle the dengue situation and claimed that hospitals have no room for dengue
patients.
