A legal notice has been sent to the government demanding a scientific investigation into deadly spread of dengue and genetic characteristics of the virus in Bangladesh, alongside establishment of a specialised laboratory to prevent biological weapons.
The notice also demands an investigation into whether any hostile state or evil force is using dengue as a biological weapon. On Saturday Supreme Court Advocate Md Mahmudul Hasan Mamun sent the notice in the public interest.
The notice was sent to the secretaries of the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the administrators of Dhaka North and South City Corporations.
A copy of the notice was also forwarded to the United Nations Resident Co-ordinator in Bangladesh.
It was mentioned in the notice that the spread of dengue and the resulting loss of lives in Bangladesh should not be treated merely as a natural spread of mosquitoes, but must also be examined from the perspectives of public health and national security.
The notice-giver expressed apprehension over whether a hostile state or terrorist group is using dengue as a biological weapon in Bangladesh, or whether an artificially created virus strain is being disseminated, requiring a thorough investigation.
In this regard, a scientific and forensic investigation involving epidemiologists, virologists, and public health experts was demanded.
The notice cited Japan’s alleged “Operation PX” during the Second World War, various publications on biological weapons, and research regarding potential military application of the dengue virus.
Moreover, the notice highlighted the international Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), UN Security Council Resolution 1540, and Articles 18(1), 32, and 102 of the Constitution of Bangladesh.
The notice-giver pointed out that effective government action is imperative to safeguard public health and ensure citizens’ right to life.
The notice demanded the determination of the source and characteristics of the dengue virus through genetic and forensic investigation by an expert team within 10 days, the setting up of a high-security “Biological Weapon Preventive Research Laboratory,” and scientific measures to control Aedes mosquitoes.
It was warned in the notice that if action is not taken within the stipulated timeframe, a public interest writ petition will be filed in the High Court Division under Article 102 of the Constitution to protect public health, national security, and citizens’ lives.
