Jamaat blames ‘lack of effective govt action’ for measles, dengue deaths

Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed deep concerns over the continuous rise in deaths from measles symptoms and dengue fever, attributing the crisis in large part to the  “lack of effective action” from the government.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar alleged, without providing evidence, that “due to the lack of timely and effective measures” by the government, the continuous deaths and the upward trend of measles infections among children have taken the form of an “epidemic.”

Anxiety and tension are growing among the families and guardians of infected children, he said.

“The procession of deaths is not stopping because of the government's shortcomings in taking steps to bring down the infection rate to zero, as well as the lack of proper and adequate medical facilities for the patients,” he alleged.

"Along with the people of the country, we are deeply concerned by the government's casual and careless role regarding measles," he added.

The government should adopt a national plan to control measles and dengue and ensure the necessary medical treatments in hospitals, he said

He further stated that another 11 people died from measles symptoms in the country in the 24 hours till 8am on Wednesday morning.

Golam Porwar said that the situation has become more complicated as people of different age groups are dying from dengue alongside measles.

He claimed that although Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has organized “grand events” to control dengue, the mortality rate continues to rise because visible steps or activities on the ground have not commenced.

Porwar alleged that while the government has taken “superficial and showy measures” to control dengue, the mosquito eradication drive has completely fallen apart due to plundering and blatant politicization, failing to destroy mosquito larvae. The country's healthcare system has collapsed due to “government apathy and mismanagement,” he said.

He urgently called upon the government to take measures to control measles and dengue through a coordinated initiative.