Vested quarter manipulating data on COVID-19 deaths: Quader

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has alleged that a vested quarter is manipulating data on deaths from coronavirus infection on social media with clever disinformation in a propaganda campaign against the government.

Obaidul Quader brought up the issue while speaking via video call from home at an event of the ruling party’s aid subcommittee at the party chief’s office in Dhaka on Friday, reports bdnews24.com.

The road transport and bridges minister said a quarter with vested interests was falsely accusing the government of spreading imaginary information, saying all patients who died with COVID-19 symptoms had actually contracted the coronavirus.

“In fact the tests on samples from dead patients are showing both positive and negative results. Many are dying naturally from other health issues. But there are lies over these natural deaths,” he said.

Quader also said “a certain group” is creating confusion over the issue “nationally and internationally”.

The law enforcers have been taking steps to bring the people behind the disinformation campaign to justice, he said and added the home ministry was vigilant to keep the related law from being abused.