Daijiworld Media Network - Dhaka

Dhaka, Jun 5: Bangladesh's worsening measles outbreak has claimed four more lives, pushing the combined number of confirmed and suspected deaths to 605 since mid-March, according to the country's health authorities.

Data released by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) showed that the latest fatalities were reported during the 24-hour period ending Thursday morning. Of the four deaths, one was officially confirmed as being caused by measles, while the remaining three involved patients exhibiting symptoms associated with the disease.

The latest figures indicate a growing public health emergency. Confirmed measles-related deaths have risen to 91, while suspected deaths now stand at 514. Health officials also recorded 1,136 new suspected infections in a single day, taking the total number of suspected cases to 75,708.

In addition, 69 new laboratory-confirmed cases were reported, raising the cumulative number of confirmed infections to 9,260.

An editorial published in The Daily Star warned that the country is witnessing a troubling surge in measles infections, particularly among children. The publication noted that rising complications and fatalities have placed severe pressure on healthcare infrastructure, including pediatric intensive care units, isolation facilities, ventilator support systems, and infection-control services.

The outbreak has also triggered political controversy. The Awami League expressed serious concern over the situation, describing the crisis as a failure of governance rather than an unavoidable public health disaster.

In a statement, the party alleged that the roots of the outbreak could be traced to decisions made during the administration led by Muhammad Yunus. According to the Awami League, authorities abandoned vaccine procurement through UNICEF in favour of an open tender system despite warnings about potential risks.

The party argued that the change in procurement policy contributed to significant gaps in immunisation coverage, particularly among children under the age of five, who are believed to account for a large share of the affected population.

The Awami League also criticised the current government led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, claiming that its response since assuming office in February has not been sufficient to contain the outbreak despite growing warning signs.

Calling for immediate intervention, the party urged the government to declare a national public health emergency, launch a large-scale vaccination campaign, provide regular public updates on the situation, and allow international oversight of response efforts.

It also demanded an independent investigation into vaccine procurement decisions and accountability for any lapses that may have contributed to the country's escalating measles crisis.

The outbreak continues to pose a major challenge for Bangladesh's healthcare system as authorities work to contain infections and prevent further loss of life.