Quader urges people to accept temporary suffering during lockdown

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today (Thursday) called upon the country’s people to accept their temporary sufferings during the strict lockdown enforced from today to contain coronavirus infections.

He made the call while speaking at a press briefing on contemporary issues at his official residence in the capital.

Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, said since the coronavirus infection reached an alarming level, the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has decided to impose a strict lockdown as per the advice of experts.

“This lockdown is urgent for protecting lives,” he added.

Urging the private and charitable organisations and affluent people to come forward to help the destitute and jobless people during the lockdown, he said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been leading the country in various calamities and crises, and she always takes the right decisions to this end.

The AL general secretary said the country witnessed over 100 daily COVID-19 deaths and high rate of infections in the last few days, which indicates a dire situation, and there is no alternative to the highest degree of awareness to prevent coronavirus.

“As a nation, now and again, we faced hard times in the past,” he said, adding: “We will pass this difficult test too under the humane and kind leadership of Sheikh Hasina, InshaAllah. This darkness will go away and good days will come. But, before that, we have to build a fort of caution at household level.”

Quader said now it is necessary to be united keeping patience to overcome this COVID-19 crisis. “That’s why all should face the second wave of coronavirus through health awareness being inspired by the 'mantra of unity,” he said.

Many destitute and working people have fallen in crisis induced by lockdown and the government has given importance to this issue, he said, adding that the government has taken proper initiatives to minimise their suffering.

Asking the authorities concerned and the party leaders and workers to remain alert so that the lower-income and floating people get relief materials, the AL general secretary said: “If necessary, relief goods must be reached to every house and people should be made aware of coronavirus through campaign so that cent percent of them wear masks.”

About the Holy Artisan Bakery attack, Quader said a group of extremists carried out the attack on the Gulshan Holy Artisan Bakery on this day in 2016.

He said though the poisonous teeth of communalism have already been removed, it cannot be said that this evil force has been completely eradicated.

Communal extremism has become a barrier to the development journey of the country, the AL general secretary said, adding: “We are committed to establishing a science-minded modern state and Sonar Bangla, dreamt by Bangabandhu, through eradication of communalism under the leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter, Sheikh Hasina.”

He said the AL along with the country’s people is moving forward to materialise this pledge.

Source: BSS

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