Measles surge linked to vaccine import gaps under fascist regime, interim govt: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (22 April) said the recent rise in measles cases in Bangladesh was due to the failure to import vaccines during the previous "fascist" regime and the subsequent interim government.

"Unfortunately, during that fascist period and even more unfortunately during the interim government, the measles vaccine for children was not imported from abroad for several years. Naturally, this problem has emerged," he said while responding to a supplementary question from Gazipur-4 lawmaker Salahuddin Ayubi in parliament.

Salahuddin, in his question, said measles has now become a "crucial issue" in Bangladesh's healthcare sector, noting that most measles detection facilities, including the country's only specialised infectious disease institute in Chattogram, remain closed.

"As a result, samples have to be sent to the National Measles and Rubella Laboratory at the Public Health Centre in Dhaka, causing delays in diagnosis despite proper vaccine utilisation," he added, seeking urgent measures to address the situation.

3 children die from measles and measles-like symptoms in 24 hrs

In response, Tarique said Unicef has extended rapid support to Bangladesh by supplying measles vaccines. "Unicef has sent measles vaccines promptly. As a result, we have received the vaccines and nearly 20 million children are being vaccinated."

He also noted a shortage of measles testing kits but said the government is working to address the issue.

"Many kits have already arrived. Each kit can be used for three tests. Some kits are currently at customs in Dhaka, at the airport and the government is taking steps to release those quickly, the prime minister said.

Expressing sorrow over child deaths caused by measles, Tarique said, "Sadly, several children have lost their lives and are no longer with us. We are trying to manage the entire situation. The government has taken measures to handle this."