Protest Demands Accountability for Measles Deaths in Bangladesh

The student organisation Biplabi Chhatra Maitri staged a protest at Dhaka University on Wednesday afternoon, demanding a trial for the former interim government’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, and Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum. The demonstrators held symbolic coffins of children to represent the more than 300 minors who reportedly died during a measles outbreak. During the rally at the foot of the Anti-Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture, the group also urged the current administration to declare measles a national epidemic.

Allegations of Administrative Failure

Leaders of the student body accused the previous interim administration of gross negligence in managing the outbreak. They argued that the significant loss of life was not merely a natural occurrence but a “man-made” crisis resulting from a failure to implement timely interventions.

Dilip Roy, the Central President of Biplabi Chhatra Maitri, addressed the crowd, stating that while the public overthrew a “fascist” Awami League government for the sake of the future, that future—the nation’s children—is now being neglected. He criticised the lack of discourse regarding the measles crisis in parliament and noted that major political parties, such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, have remained largely silent on the issue.

Geographic Spread and Casualties

The protest highlighted the alarming reach of the disease across the country. According to statements made by the organisation’s General Secretary, Jabir Ahmed Jubel, the outbreak has affected the vast majority of the nation’s administrative districts.

Jubel further criticised the current government for its perceived inaction, suggesting that the authorities appear to be waiting for further casualties rather than taking preventative measures. He also condemned leaders of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) for opposing the establishment of a temporary medical camp for measles patients on the university’s central playground.

Demands for Justice and Systemic Reform

Nujia Hasan Rasha, the Finance Secretary of the central committee, called for an immediate investigation into the conduct of the former interim government. She alleged that Professor Muhammad Yunus focused on personal interests and institutional legacy rather than addressing the public health crisis. Rasha questioned the current Prime Minister regarding the lack of support for grieving families, asking what form of consolation the state intended to provide to fathers forced to carry their children’s bodies to medical facilities in Mohakhali.

Adding to the list of grievances, Zahidul Islam Riyad, General Secretary of the Dhaka University branch of the organisation, highlighted a perceived disparity in priorities. He noted that while official government records confirmed over 300 deaths in hospitals, the then-Chief Adviser, Dr Muhammad Yunus, was seen visiting Japan and engaging in ceremonial activities with Japanese children.

The demonstrators concluded the rally by demanding that the current government immediately initiate comprehensive vaccination drives and medical support to curb the spread of the virus across the 58 affected districts.