Quader: Drives to intensify against hoarders

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said the drives against the hoarders who are trying to make a quick buck by stocking the necessary products like masks, sanitizers, soaps, and hand wash in the time of coronavirus will be intensified.

He made the comment at a press conference at the Awami League president’s Dhanmondi political office in Dhaka on Tuesday.

He said: "We are observing that unscrupulous businessmen are trying to make a quick buck by stocking necessary products like masks, hand gloves, sanitizers, soaps and hand wash. They are trying to create an artificial crisis in the market."

He also said authorities concerned have started conducting drives against the hoarders and it will be intensified.

Alongside, Quader expected that the mass media will play a vital role by publishing information for creating awareness among the people on this issue. 

Criticizing BNP for what he called "searching" a political issue over the presence of coronavirus in the country instead of considering the matter from humanitarian aspect, he added. 

Obaidul Quader said the programs marking Mujib Year have been reorganized considering the health risk of people, but some people are trying to give it a political colour.  

"Mirza Fakhrul is not considering the humanitarian aspect as he is looking for an issue over the coronavirus outbreak," he said, adding, that the government has taken all preparations to prevent the coronavirus in all airports and land ports.

"There is nothing to be worried, but everyone should remain careful. A quarter is trying to mislead people and to make them panic by spreading rumours," he also said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the country's first elevated expressway through videoconferencing on March 12, he added.