Speakers at a human chain programme in Dhaka have called for legal action against former interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, blaming them for recent child deaths linked to measles.
The protest, organised by Humanitarian Unity with Morality (HUM), was held in front of the Grameen Bank office in Mirpur. The programme was chaired by HUM Joint Convener Shakil Ahmed.
Speaking at the event, HUM Convener Hasan Ahmed claimed that children across the country have been dying from measles in recent months, despite the disease previously being nearly eliminated.
Citing data from the Directorate General of Health Services, he said 49 children died from confirmed measles between March 15 and May 1. During the same period, another 231 to 235 children reportedly died with measles-like symptoms.
He alleged that although Bangladesh had maintained strong vaccination coverage in the past, disruptions in vaccine procurement after political changes in 2024 caused shortages nationwide.
He added that lower vaccination rates, child malnutrition, and a weak healthcare system contributed to the rising number of deaths.
Referring to a complaint filed with the Anti-Corruption Commission by Supreme Court lawyer Biplob Kumar Das, he said the interim government had been accused of corruption and failure in vaccine procurement. He also mentioned calls for an investigation, citing remarks by UNICEF representative Rana Flowers.
The organisers put forward three demands: compensation for affected families, a quick investigation into procurement issues, and legal action against those they hold responsible.
Among others, cultural activist Ehsanul Aziz Babu, S M Kamruzzaman Sagar, and businessman Mezbah Ahmed also spoke at the programme.