Criticising the government for its "poor handling" of the Covid-19 situation, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President Hasanul Haque Inu told the parliament today that there was "lack of coordination" among ministries.

Speaking on a point of order, Inu said "turmoil in government" is manifested in the repeated issuance of government notices and changes in decisions regarding lockdown.

"In the last few days, notices have been issued regarding the lockdown/shutdown, and it has been amended several times within hours," he said.

Inu said the notice also contained contradictory statements.

He said nine ministries, including the health ministry, are involved in tackling the Covid situation. The lack of coordination within the nine ministries is also noticeable.

Referring to media reports, the former minister said the Covid-19 death toll was rising alarmingly. Infections have spread not only in cities but also in districts and upazilas and beds are not available for patients in district and upazila hospitals. "Patients' cry for oxygen continues," Inu said.

The government is also concerned about the issue, he added.

He said there was no alternative to lockdown to curb the transmission of the virus.

"But in our experience, within two to three days, general people start demanding food. Beds for the infected, the need for oxygen, and rush to ICUs begin," he said.

He demanded immediate increase in beds at hospitals at district and upazila level, ensuring high-flow nasal cannula, oxygen cylinders etc.

Inu said doctors and health workers combating the Covid-19 pandemic have not been paid daily allowance in the last nine months. Physicians, health workers should be given risk allowances and incentives, he also said.