News Flash
RAJSHAHI, March 30, 2026 (BSS)- Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam, Health Affairs Secretary of BNP, has said that a measles outbreak has occurred among children in the country due to the interim government’s failure to provide vaccines on time.
He made the remarks while speaking to journalists this morning after visiting Rajshahi Medical College (RAMEC) Hospital.
Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam said that the first measles case was detected in the Rohingya camps on January 4. Although the relevant authorities were aware of the situation at the time, complications arose in procuring vaccines. As a result, effective measures could not be taken in time, leading to the current rise in infections.
He further stated that until 2024, vaccines were procured in the country through a specific process, but later a decision was made to purchase vaccines through another organization.
At the same time, a year-long movement by those involved in implementing the vaccination program also disrupted immunization activities. This has increased the risk of the spread of such infectious diseases.
He urged those concerned to prioritize public interest and perform their duties responsibly, and requested that such programs not be disrupted.
Highlighting the need for fresh research on the measles situation, he said that although vaccines are currently administered to children at 9 months and 15 months of age, even four-month-old infants are being infected.
It is essential to investigate why infections are occurring before the time schedule. Proper research would help control and eliminate the disease at an early stage.
Emphasizing awareness, he said measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread from one person to 10 to 15 others. Therefore, instead of panicking, everyone should remain cautious.
Describing the overall situation at RMCH, Dr. Rafiqul Islam said that although the hospital has around 1,200 beds, about 2,900 patients are currently receiving treatment, creating pressure on healthcare services.
Treatment is being provided on a limited scale in the ICU designated for children, where 12 babies are currently under care. He noted that if the disease can be controlled at an early stage, the pressure on ICUs can be reduced.
He also said that recent child deaths at the hospital are under investigation. The government has formed a three-member probe committee, whose members have visited the hospital and are reviewing the situation. A detailed understanding of the actual measles situation will be available once their report is submitted.
Earlier, Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam visited the isolation ward and ICU designated for children infected with measles at the hospital.
RMCH Director Brigadier General P.K.M. Masud-ul-Islam, along with concerned officials and physicians, were present.
