Shafiqur calls for private import of dengue vaccine in case of govt ‘inaction’

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 programme 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.