BNP against Reopening of Shops, Shopping Malls

BNP on Tuesday criticized the decision to reopen shops and shopping centers, saying that the government is pushing the nation into deep trouble by refusing to follow social distancing rules.

"The reopening of shops and malls is necessary for small and large traders who deal with them and produce clothes. Is it fair to do that in return for people's lives? Aren't we supposed to control it for one more month? "BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said.

Speaking at a press conference at the Gulshan office of BNP Leader, he further said, "The government has struggled to resolve the crisis and its inability to maintain social isolation has moved the nation towards a severe consequence."

Fakhrul said the government should have strictly enforced the shutdown for a few more days as the number of coronavirus cases continues to grow. “We must give importance to both lives and livelihoods.”

He slammed the government for what he said allowing the RMG owners to reopen their factories without ensuring proper safety measures to protect workers from infection of the virus. “The government is exposing its imprudence and callousness with its different steps.”

The BNP leader said that while the government proposed a stimulus package for the RMG sector, several workers claimed that they still haven't yet received their wages.

He also said that the government did not submit sufficient relief materials to rural areas to alleviate the misery of the people.

Mentioning that coronavirus is a global problem, Fakhrul said the government should review the strategies of the countries like Vietnam and Greece who are successfully containing the virus.

He alleged that the government did not play a proactive role in combating the coronavirus and its effects on public life. "The presence of the government is visible only on television channels, but they are nowhere to be seen."

The BNP leader urged the government to stand by the people and take the appropriate action to save their life and relieve their misery.

Source: UNB