Daijiworld Media Network - Dhaka
Dhaka, May 6: Bangladesh is facing a worsening public health emergency as at least six more children have died from Measles and related symptoms, pushing the combined death toll from confirmed and suspected cases to 317, according to official data and media reports.
Figures released by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) show that the latest deaths occurred within a 24-hour period leading up to Tuesday morning. Of the six fatalities, two were laboratory-confirmed measles cases, while four were classified as suspected.
The confirmed deaths were reported from the Dhaka Division, bringing the total confirmed fatalities to 54. Meanwhile, suspected deaths were recorded in Sylhet Division, Khulna Division, and Rajshahi Division, raising the suspected toll to 263.
The outbreak continues to spread rapidly. Health officials reported 259 new confirmed infections in the same period, taking total confirmed cases to 5,726. Additionally, 1,186 new suspected cases were logged, pushing the overall suspected infections to 42,979.
Just a day earlier, the country recorded its highest single-day toll, with 17 child deaths reported in 24 hours—highlighting the escalating severity of the crisis.
Since mid-March, more than 300 children have died and over 47,000 people have been infected, prompting sharp criticism of public health management. An editorial in The Daily Star described the outbreak as an “avoidable disaster,” blaming disruptions in vaccination systems.
The report alleged that a previously effective national immunisation framework, part of the long-running Health, Population and Nutrition Sector Programme, was dismantled in March 2025 without adequate contingency planning. This reportedly led to vaccine shortages, reduced medical supplies across thousands of community clinics, and depletion of emergency reserves.
Critics have called for accountability, urging the formation of an inquiry panel to investigate decisions made during the tenure of the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus.
Health experts warn that measles, though preventable through vaccination, can spread rapidly in under-immunised populations, making urgent intervention critical to contain the outbreak and prevent further loss of life.