Dhaka: The BNP has decided to distribute leaflets across the country to raise public awareness and help prevent the spread of dengue. The party will also take initiatives to repeatedly broadcast dengue awareness programmes on social media, radio, and television.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, BNP Acting Secretary General and Political Adviser to the Prime Minister Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the decisions while briefing journalists after a meeting of the party's National Standing Committee. The meeting took place at the BNP Chairman's Office in Gulshan, chaired by BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Rizvi mentioned the meeting's focus on implementing measures and directives issued by the Prime Minister to prevent dengue, expressing gratitude for the initiatives.
Rizvi highlighted that mosquito nets would be supplied to hospitals at the upazila and district levels as part of efforts to protect people from dengue. The discussion also covered other preventive measures and awareness programmes. Volunteers from organizations like the Girl Guides and Scouts, along with students, will participate in raising public awareness about dengue. The BNP plans to distribute leaflets throughout Dhaka and nationwide, with the content prepared by renowned doctors and experts.
Additionally, Rizvi noted that dengue awareness programmes would be broadcast repeatedly through various media channels, informing the public about government and BNP initiatives. He emphasized the need for proper waste disposal facilities at educational institutions and marketplaces, urging authorities to ensure adequate waste management arrangements.
On organizational matters, Rizvi discussed filling vacant party posts in alignment with the BNP constitution, considering promotions for leaders immediately below the vacant positions. He mentioned that the issue of the party council was not addressed during the meeting but assured necessary steps would be taken to fill vacancies resulting from leaders' deaths at district and upazila levels.
Rizvi announced an election scheduled for October 29 to fill a parliamentary seat vacated following the election of the party's former secretary general and current president, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Nomination forms for party candidates will be available at the BNP's Paltan office on September 15, with submissions due by September 16. The National Standing Committee will convene on September 18 to select the final candidate.
Regarding the upcoming local government elections, Rizvi stated that the party chairman and Prime Minister hold regular meetings with district leaders to provide guidance. While elections will not be held on a party basis, the BNP may support individual candidates, and party members are expected to back candidates endorsed by the party.