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Dr Yunus, Nurjahan blamed for child deaths linked to measles
Daily Sun Report, Dhaka
Published: 04 May 2026, 09:14 AM
An organisation forms a human chain in front of Grameen Bank in Mirpur, Dhaka, on 3 May 2026, protesting against interim government Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and former Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum. Photo: Collected
Speakers at a human chain programme in Dhaka have called for legal action against former interim government Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, holding them responsible for recent child deaths linked to measles.
The demonstration, organised by Humanitarian Unity with Morality (HUM), took place on Sunday (3 May) afternoon in front of the Grameen Bank office in Mirpur. The programme was chaired by HUM Joint Convener Shakil Ahmed.
Addressing the gathering, HUM Convener Hasan Ahmed alleged that children across the country had been dying from measles over the past two months, despite the disease previously being close to eradication in Bangladesh.
Citing data from the Directorate General of Health Services, he said that 49 children had died from confirmed measles between 15 March and 1 May. During the same period, a further 231 to 235 children reportedly died with measles-like symptoms.
Hasan Ahmed claimed that Bangladesh had long maintained a high immunisation rate, but disruptions to vaccine procurement following political changes in 2024 led to a nationwide shortage.
He added that declining vaccination coverage, combined with child malnutrition and a fragile healthcare system, had contributed to the rising death toll.
He further noted that on 12 April, Supreme Court lawyer Biplob Kumar Das filed a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Commission, accusing the interim government of corruption and failure in vaccine procurement. Referring to remarks by UNICEF representative Rana Flowers, he said there were calls for an investigation into changes in vaccine procurement procedures following the crisis.
The organisers placed a three-point demand, including compensation for the families of deceased children from those they hold responsible, a swift investigation into the allegations of procurement failures, and legal action against the former chief adviser and health adviser.
Among others, cultural activist Ehsanul Aziz Babu, S M Kamruzzaman Sagar and businessman Mezbah Ahmed also spoke at the event.