Covid-19 surge: Form advisory committee and take coordinated steps involving all parties, BNP demands 

BNP has called upon the government to form a crisis-time advisory committee comprised of health experts, all political parties, NGOs and social organisations, and take coordinated steps towards curbing the transmission of Covid-19 across the country.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the party's secretary general, came up with the demands while addressing a virtual press conference today.

"Although it is late, a crisis-time advisory committee comprising health experts, all political parties, NGOs and social organisations should be formed soon," Fakhrul said.

The party's other demands included encouraging people to follow health guidelines and wear masks, formulating a coordinated and specific roadmap for vaccinating 80 percent of the population and making it public, taking immediate and effective measures to produce vaccine locally, and ensuring adequate healthcare facilities in the hospitals.

Fakhrul said these issues should be set as target to curb the transmission of coronavirus.

"We have to keep in mind that the fight against Covid-19 pandemic is a long-term one," he added.

The party also urged the government to provide Tk 15,000 cash assistance each to the poor along with food to make sure they stay home in order to make the lockdown effective.

The BNP secretary general said the government can provide humanitarian support to the poor of the country using six to seven percent of the GDP.

As resources are limited, the developed countries focused on prevention of Covid-19 so that the healthcare system does not become overburdened.
"What is badly needed is good intention and cordiality," he added.