Getting vaccines from single source via one org was suicidal: BNP

Voicing concerns over the Covid-19 vaccine crisis in the country, BNP yesterday said the government's decision to procure it by a single organisation from a single source was "suicidal". 

"Our standing committee expressed deep concerns and anger over the uncertainty of Covid vaccine availability due to failure of and corruption by the government and importer Beximco Group," said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

Speaking at a virtual press conference to convey decisions of the party standing committee meeting held on Saturday, he said, "BNP warned earlier that the decision of giving the responsibility to a single organisation to collect vaccines from a single source could be suicidal."

He also said the government has committed a criminal offence by giving a pro-ruling party business organisation the responsibility to procure the vaccine, without thinking about the interests of people. "They [government] will have to face trial in the future for this criminal act."

Fakhrul also said their party thinks the government should quit for committing the crime over vaccine procurement and its failure to ensure vaccines for people. "Amid such a big global pandemic and catastrophe, the government is just making wrong decisions, and financial relation is behind all this. As a result, people are now not getting the vaccine."

The BNP leader said the country needs to attain herd immunity by vaccinating 12.5 crore people. "But the government has put the entire nation in danger with its incompetence, failure, corruption and profit-making mentality."

He said although Serum Institute of India was paid Tk 1.5 crore in advance for vaccines, the country has so far received 70 lakh doses only.

Fakhrul said the government has stopped giving the first dose of vaccine, as Serum Institute expressed unwillingness to provide rest of the doses due to the Indian government's ban on vaccine export.

He said their standing committee thinks the government should reach an understanding with the Indian government for getting vaccines, as per the agreement and payment.

Fakhrul said the government also can take legal action at international level, if it fails to reach a negotiation with the Indian government and Serum Institute.

He alleged that the poor, low-income people and day-labourers have been going through a tough time, as the government has not given them any financial support during the ongoing lockdown.

The BNP leader demanded the government immediately announce an incentive package for them to ease their sufferings.

Fakhrul alleged that a vested quarter has been carrying out false propaganda by creating fake Facebook accounts in the name of top BNP leaders and Zia family members. "We strongly condemn it."