Minister for Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs, Dr. AZM Zahid, spoke today at a seminar held at the Jatiya Press Club (JPC) as the chief guest. Photo: PID

DHAKA, May 21, 2026 (BSS) - Minister for Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Dr AZM Zahid today stressed on raising mass awareness about measles to control the outbreak of the disease.

In this context, he urged all not to spread unnecessary fear as the government continues its efforts to control the outbreak of the highly contagious airborne virus through vaccination and public awareness campaigns.

The minister made the remarks while speaking at a seminar on "Measles outbreak across the country: Duty of Doctors, Nurses and Mass Awareness" at the Abdus Salam Hall of Jatiya Press Club (JPC) as the chief guest. 

Former leaders of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) of Medical and Dental units organized the event. 

Dr. Zahid said, “Measles existed in everyone's home in the past...We also suffered in our childhood. So, it is important to raise awareness about the disease instead of frightening people over the situation”. 

About dengu, he said, "Previously, dengue had a season. But now it is no longer a seasonal disease. Whether winter or rainy season- the number of dengue cases is increasing any time. At one time, we fought against malaria.  The entire nation fought against diseases like chickenpox and measles. Malaria is now somewhat under control.”

Besides, he said measles has taken such a terrifying shape in our society that I have never seen in my 44-45 years of medical practice. Earlier, measles did not cause so many deaths, nor was there such a need for ICUs.

“This reflects a worrying decline in people’s immunity, while nutritional standards have also deteriorated significantly,” he added.

About government initiative to control the spread of miseles, Dr Zahid said due to the timely intervention and round-the-clock supervision of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain, the prevalence of measles have been witnessing on a downward trend. 

“Due to increased vaccination and awareness, the severity of the infection is decreasing,” he said expressing  optimism that the country's health sector is ready to tackle all existing challenges.
 
Mentioning various development works of BNP, the minister said, "Every good deed in Bangladesh is associated with the name of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). 

Following the ideology of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Deshnetri Begum Khaleda Zia and her worthy successor Tarique Rahman are taking the country forward.

Condemning the gruesome murder of Ramisa, a minor girl, in the city’s Pallabi area, he said , "The culprit must receive a proper trial...The law will take its own course. Exemplary punishment is necessary to increase people's fear and respect towards rule of law," he added.

Expressing satisfaction over ‘zero tolerance policy’ adopted by the government  against child and women abuse, he said, "The formation of the Legal Aid Department, the multi-sectoral approach-these are excellent initiatives of the governmnet.” 

In this connection, he said establishing the rights of women and children in the country of 180 million people is one of the key pillars of the current government's election manifesto.

Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain was present as the special guest in the seminar with Chairman of the Governing Body of Bangladesh Child Hospital and Institute Dr AKM Azizul Haque in the chair.
 
Director of Bangladesh Child Hospital and Institute Dr Mirza Md. Ziaul Islam presented keynote paper while Principle of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital Dr Musarrat Sultana Sumi and Head of the Child Disease Department of Ashulia Women and Children Hospital presented the notes. 

In his speech, Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain said that the measles vaccination campaign will not be stopped during the Eid vacation.

“The government has already been able to vaccinate more children than the target. Rather, the campaign is being further intensified from today. We have achieved above the target. But we do not want to stop. Those involved in vaccination have been instructed to remain on duty even during the Eid holidays,” said the minister. 

Regarding the current situation of measles, he said, "We are not claiming success, but the outbreak of measles has largely come under control. In the areas where vaccination was administered from May 4, the infection rate has dropped to nearly zero.”

It takes about one month to develop antibodies, he said adding within a very short time ahead, the measles outbreak will decrease further.