Dengue not out of control yet: Quader

Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader yesterday said the prevailing dengue situation is alarming and difficult to deal with, but not out of control yet. He made the remarks while delivering his speech at a photo show organised by Bangladesh Awami Jubo League, marking the Month of Mourning, at Bangladesh Shilapakala Academy in the capital.

"According to media reports, some 17,000 people have been infected with dengue virus in the country. And 13,000 of them have already got back home after receiving medical treatment. You can say the situation is epidemic or whatever, but we're working to face the situation recognising the reality," he said.

The minister went on saying, "We've taken this as a challenge. We'll confront the situation under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina."

He said they all are worried about the situation. "The leader (PM) is concerned. She's receiving treatment in London; yet she's constantly consulting us and giving us directives."

When the Health Minister was abroad, his ministry's activities did not stop, Quader said adding: "Now instructions can be given on mobile phones. He (Health Minister) may go abroad for an emergency work; he didn't go without permission. One minister is not the full of a ministry. He has already returned home."

Quader said there is nothing unique in dengue cases in Bangladesh as it has spread in many other countries of the world.

So far, he said, 800 people have died of dengue in the Philippines, and one lakh have been infected there. They have declared the situation a national disaster, he added.

Dengue not out of control yet: Quader

Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader yesterday said the prevailing dengue situation is alarming and difficult to deal with, but not out of control yet. He made the remarks while delivering his speech at a photo show organised by Bangladesh Awami Jubo League, marking the Month of Mourning, at Bangladesh Shilapakala Academy in the capital. According to media reports, some 17,000 people have been infected with dengue virus in the country. And 13,000 of them have already got back home after receiving medical treatment. You can say the situation is epidemic or whatever, but were working to face the situation recognising the reality, he said. The minister went on saying, Weve taken this as a challenge. Well confront the situation under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He said they all are worried about the situation. The leader (PM) is concerned. Shes receiving treatment in London; yet shes constantly consulting us and giving us directives. When the Health Minister was abroad, his ministrys activities did not stop, Quader said adding: Now instructions can be given on mobile phones. He (Health Minister) may go abroad for an emergency work; he didnt go without permission. One minister is not the full of a ministry. He has already returned home. Quader said there is nothing unique in dengue cases in Bangladesh as it has spread in many other countries of the world. So far, he said, 800 people have died of dengue in the Philippines, and one lakh have been infected there. They have declared the situation a national disaster, he added.