Bangladesh is launching an emergency vaccination program after a sharp rise in measles cases nationwide. In the past 15 days, 423 children have been infected and 10 have died. Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain announced that from Sunday, children aged six months to ten years will receive measles vaccines. All health workers’ leave has been canceled, and vaccines and syringes are being distributed nationwide by Thursday and Friday. Hospitals have been instructed to prepare ventilators and beds for patients.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services, 2,314 children were hospitalized with measles-like symptoms in the last 15 days. Rajshahi, Chattogram, Rangpur, and Cumilla have reported rising infections, with hospitals facing shortages of ICU beds and testing equipment. In Rajshahi, four children have died, while Chattogram has seen 55 children under treatment. In Rangpur, lack of testing machines is delaying diagnosis.

Human rights activist and Supreme Court lawyer Eklas Uddin Bhuiyan has issued a legal notice demanding vaccine supply within 24 hours, warning of a High Court petition if the government fails to act swiftly.