Published: 12:36 AM, 11 May 2026
'DGHS is underreporting measles death toll'
There have been allegations that the number of deaths from measles in Bangladesh is much higher than the official figures. Data obtained from various divisional hospitals, local health offices, and administrative records show significant discrepancies with the government's reported numbers. Public health experts claim that the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) is underreporting deaths to avoid public criticism.
However, the DGHS states that this is not intentional concealment; rather, the differences arise due to weaknesses in the data collection system. The health authority explained that delays in receiving information from field-level hospitals and upazila health officers lead to inconsistencies in the reports.
For example, in the Rangpur division, the DGHS reported no deaths, whereas local hospitals and administrative records indicate at least four fatalities. Similarly, in Barishal and Mymensingh, there are large discrepancies between government figures and local data. At Mymensingh Medical College Hospital alone, records show 27 deaths, but the DGHS reported a much lower number.
According to the DGHS's latest data, so far, 352 people have died from measles or measles-related symptoms, and 54,635 people have been affected in the country. Of these, 61 deaths have been confirmed in the laboratory.
Experts warn that failing to publish accurate data will make disease control more difficult and increase public health risks.
