Former health minister Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain has blamed the government for its failure to contain anthrax.
"The disease has spread like an epidemic due to the government's indifference and as vaccines distribution has been delayed."
Mosharraf was addressing a discussion on anthrax organised by the pro BNP physicians' platform, Doctors' Association of Bangladesh (DAB), at the National Press Club on Monday.
Former fisheries and livestock minister Abdullah Al Noman alleged that the government was wrong to declare a 'red alert', alarmed over the spread of this disease, which created a panic among the people.
Professor of Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) Dr F M Siddiqui and professor of microbiology and hygiene department of Agricultural University Bahanur Rahman jointly presented the keynote paper on the causalities and remedy of anthrax.
Mosharraf, also a BNP standing committee member, said the first case of human anthrax was found in Sirajganj one year ago. The disease could not spread panic if the government had taken initiatives in primary stage. "It could be possible to control the disease quickly if the government created awareness among the people properly."
Noman said the cattle traders have been affected mostly due to the red alert. "We have to create mass consciousness to overcome the situation. The government should make the vaccines cheaper."
The keynote said the disease is curable and there was nothing to panic.
"There has not been a single death from anthrax so far. There are effective vaccines for anthrax, and some forms of the disease respond well to antibiotic treatment."
Anthrax cases were first detected on Aug 18 among 26 villagers in Sirajganj.
Chaired by DAB president professor Dr AKM Azizul Haque, former vice-chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) professor Mohammed Tahir, were also present among others.
DAB secretary general professor A Z M Zahid Hossain moderated the function.
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