We will not play the flute as if Rome is burning: Jamaat Ameer

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has said that his party will not remain a silent spectator at a time of national crisis; rather, it will actively play a role in solving the problem. He said, “We are not in a position to play the flute as if Rome is burning—our priority is to deal with the crisis if it arises.”

He said these things in response to questions from journalists while visiting measles patients at the Children’s Hospital in Shyamoli in the capital on Saturday (April 18) morning.

Expressing concern over the current situation in the health sector, the Jamaat Ameer said that when such a question is raised in Parliament whether there are ICU facilities required for measles treatment, the government gives a positive answer. However, in his experience as a doctor, there is a lack of effective ICU facilities in most places. He mentioned that although trained critical care specialists are needed to manage ICUs, such manpower and structure have not been properly developed.

Describing the health sector as "critical", he cited the example of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. According to him, against 1,000 beds, there are about 3,700 patients admitted there and about 4,000 more people are receiving treatment in the outpatient department every day. But in that ratio, there is no manpower, infrastructure and necessary logistical support, resulting in serious disruption of medical services.

Stating that education and health sectors will be given top priority if given the opportunity to run the state, he said that good education helps in building a knowledge-based nation and improved public health ensures a healthy and strong nation. He also emphasized on giving utmost importance to dealing with the crisis by partially suspending normal activities in emergency situations.

He also commented that there is a big discrepancy between the government's statements and the actual experience of the common people. According to him, although the government party's statements in parliament do not reflect the country's problems, the real picture becomes clear when it is shared with the common people.

On the other hand, after visiting an oil pump in the Asadgate area of ​​the capital, he also talked about the energy crisis. He alleged that the real situation is being kept secret and that the pumps are only getting one-third of the fuel required, which has created this crisis.

He also said that transparent information about the fuel situation needs to be presented to the nation. He called for collective efforts to alleviate the suffering of many people who are not getting fuel despite standing in long queues.