A column published on 13 May 2026 in the Bangladeshi outlet 'Amar Desh' argues that recent discussions linking child deaths from measles to political failures are politically motivated. The writer, journalist Kakon Reza, criticizes actor Saju Khadem for a social media post about measles and accuses political opponents of using child illness and mortality to undermine the current government. The article cites a 2023 report from Prothom Alo referencing icddr,b data that 24,000 Bangladeshi children under five died of pneumonia in 2022.

The writer contends that long-ruling governments, particularly the Awami League and the Ershad regime, had decades to improve the health system but failed to establish adequate pediatric and specialized medical facilities. He contrasts this with the current administration, which he says has only recently taken office after a short interim period marked by protests and disruptions to vaccination programs.

The column concludes that blaming the new government for long-standing health sector deficiencies is a deliberate political tactic and urges focusing on solutions rather than partisan accusations.