Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has issued the following message of condolence on June 18, 2020 expressing deep shock at the death of 42 doctors and other people who have died of coronavirus both in home and abroad.

42 doctors and 7 health staffs have died because of covid-19 pandemic so far. The number of deceased is increasing alarmingly. According to the government’s statistics, till today, 1343 people have died of coronavirus. The real number is higher than the official claim. I am expressing my deep shock at the death of the doctors, health staffs and other professionals who have died in home and abroad. I am praying seeking blessing for their departed souls. I am also extending my deep sympathy to their mournful families and relatives.

According to official statistics of Bangladesh Medical Association, so far 3,274 doctors, nurses and health staffs have been infected by covid-19. Off them 1,035 are doctors, 885 are nurses and 1354 are technologists. The number of the infected people are increasing severely. The countrymen are in worries as so many doctors and health officials are becoming infested by this pandemic.

The treatment and medical care system of the country have collapsed. The hospitals are suffering with the scarcity of ventilators, ICU and Corona diagnosis materials. It takes 15 days to receive the result of Covid-19 test. More than 170 million people are living in this country whereas the number of coronavirus diagnostic testing lab is just 60. Many labs are not functioning properly as there are huge shortages of testing kits. People are rushing from door to door with corona symptoms. Many of them are going back home without any test or treatment. Many of them are dying on the street. But the government is not taking any effective measures to resolve such extreme stalemate of the health sector.

Coronavirus also created a disastrous impact on the economic life of the people. People are suffering due to food and unemployment crisis. We are observing that, even in this critical situation, 111 public representatives have been expelled for their corruption with the rice and other food items, which had been allocated for general masses. It is a shameful scenario for the entire nation.

In words, the incumbent government has totally failed to tackle coronavirus pandemic situation. We think, all forces and state apparatus should be engaged altogether to confront this situation. I am urging the concerned authorities to take proper measures to ensure health safety and security of the doctors and health staffs along with the countrymen as a whole.