Published: 06:56 AM, 05 April 2026
Measles outbreak: Yunus govt blamed for vaccine negligence
A writ petition was filed with the High Court (HC) on 2 April 2026 seeking directives to close all schools across the country until the ongoing measles outbreak subsides. Reports have surfaced that so far 98 children have died of measles.Health experts have said that the interim government's negligence over vaccines caused this manmade disaster which unfolded in the form of a deadly measles contagion.
It also pleaded for forming a high-level investigation committee into the recent deaths of 98 children caused by measles across Bangladesh. Physicans are afraid that the death toll for measles is likely to rise further.
Barrister Lutfe Jahan Purnima, a lawyer of the Supreme Court, filed the writ as public interest litigation with the concerned branch of the High Court.
Lutfe Jahan Purnima told journalists that strong investigations should be carried out to ascertain the reasons behind the fact that no vaccines were administered by the ruling authorities during last 18 months. She further said that besides the pandemic of measles, a special kind of fever is currently affecting people of all ages throughout Bangladesh. Lutfe Jahan Purnima expressed worries that this fever could be a new variant of Covid 19.The Secretary of the Health Services Division under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and other relevant government authorities have been named as respondents in the petition. In the petition, the High Court has been requested to instruct the respondents to submit a comprehensive report detailing the number of deaths, extent of infections, vaccination coverage, vaccine availability, and measures taken so far.
The writ seeks a time-bound independent investigation to determine the causes behind the failure to ensure adequate vaccination coverage, the reasons for vaccine shortages, and the delays in implementing preventive measures.
The petition mentioned that the failure to ensure timely vaccination, the lack of medical facilities, and the deficiency in emergency response constitute a direct violation of Articles 27, 31, and 32 of the Constitution of Bangladesh, which safeguard the right to life and equal protection under the law.
Prominent citizens have stated that the interim government showed utter undutifulness over vaccinating children to immunize them from measles and other contagious diseases. Noted civil society dignitaries have commented that the health sector top functionaries who were in top posts during the interim government's ruling period should be subjected to legal proceedings for the deaths of children from measles.
Reputed legal expert Dr. Shah Deen Malik said that extreme lack of preparation on part of the interim government led to this measles outbreak. He further said that the individuals responsible for this catastrophic health hazard cannot go unpunished.
Barrister Sara Hossain said that it's absolutely astonishing for what reasons the interim government did not work out plans to prevent infectious diseases. She laid emphasis on quick and objective inquiries to identify the responsible officials for this drastic fault and to save children from further health perils.
On the other hand, Deputy Chief Information Officer of Ministry of Health and Family Planning Mahmudul Hasan assured that the government has taken up strong steps to pull down the spread of measles and all health centers across Bangladesh have been provided with required medicines and other supportive materials to bring the measles outbreak under control.
