Dhaka: National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan on Sunday urged for the immediate declaration of a national emergency in response to the measles outbreak in Bangladesh. He called on both the government and opposition to set aside their differences and collaborate to address the escalating crisis.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Asif emphasized the precarious situation faced by children across the country due to measles during a press conference held at the party’s temporary office in Banglamotor. He called for an investigation into the sudden increase in measles cases, stressing the need to identify any negligence or irregularities that may have contributed to the outbreak.
The press conference also saw the NCP reveal a preliminary list of 100 candidates for upcoming upazila and municipality-level local government elections. Asif pressed the government to provide a clear roadmap and timeline for these elections, noting that while the government has indicated that local elections will occur soon, no specific framework has been shared.
Asif cautioned against allowing current city corporation administrators, many of whom he claimed are aligned with the BNP, to run for mayoral positions while still in office, asserting that this would undermine electoral integrity. He accused some administrators of failing in their duties, pointing to cities filled with political posters that have been left unaddressed.
Raising additional concerns, Asif highlighted the ongoing deterioration of law and order, pointing out that mob culture in the country remains unchecked. He also addressed border tensions, alleging an increase in the killings of Bangladeshi nationals by India’s Border Security Force (BSF). Asif urged the government to summon the Indian High Commissioner for explanations regarding these incidents.
Furthermore, he condemned the reported rise in communal violence against Muslims in West Bengal following the BJP’s rise to power. Asif accused the new chief minister of threatening Bangladesh with ‘push-ins’ and called on Dhaka to respond firmly by enhancing diplomatic efforts to counter such border threats.