Dhaka, June 4: Local media reports indicate that four more individuals have died from measles and measles-like symptoms in Bangladesh, raising the total confirmed and suspected deaths since March 15 to 605 amid a growing health crisis.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), these fatalities were reported within the previous 24 hours on Thursday morning.
A report from the Bangladeshi media outlet UNB confirmed that one of the deceased had a confirmed case of measles, while the other three exhibited symptoms of the disease.
The number of confirmed deaths has now reached 91, with suspected deaths totaling 514.
In addition, the DGHS recorded 1,136 new suspected cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of suspected cases to 75,708.
Furthermore, 69 new confirmed cases were reported, increasing the total confirmed cases during this period to 9,260.
An editorial in the Daily Star highlighted a concerning rise in measles infections in the country, resulting in increased complications and mortality rates among children.
It further stated that this epidemic has placed significant pressure on healthcare facilities nationwide, particularly in pediatric ICU support, isolation wards, ventilatory care, and infection control systems.
Meanwhile, the Awami League expressed serious concerns over the escalating measles outbreak, labeling the crisis as a result of “man-made failures” of governance rather than a “natural disaster.” They attributed the onset of this crisis to decisions made during the interim government led by former Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus, which have continued under the current Bangladesh Nationalist Party-led government.
The Awami League claimed that the roots of this tragedy lie in the disastrous decisions made during the interim government. In September 2025, authorities reportedly abandoned a reliable vaccine procurement system through the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), despite repeated warnings and formal communications from UNICEF regarding the need for a reliable procurement process.
The party stated, “The results were predictable and disastrous, creating a significant immunity gap among millions of children, particularly those under five years old, who now constitute a large portion of the victims. Independent investigators have termed this a ‘man-made massacre’ caused by administrative arrogance and incompetence.”
The party further noted that Prime Minister Tariq Rahman and the BNP government were fully aware of the emerging crisis when they took office in February, yet their response over the past four months has been alarmingly inadequate as the death toll from the measles outbreak continues to rise.
Demanding immediate action, the Awami League urged the Bangladesh government to declare a national public health emergency with clear timelines, objectives, and daily public reporting. They also called for an urgent vaccination campaign and treatment with full transparency and international oversight.
Additionally, the party urged authorities to initiate an independent and timely investigation into the procurement failures during the interim government and hold those responsible accountable.
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