The Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has expressed deep concern over the widespread measles infection and rising child deaths across Bangladesh. In a press release issued on Tuesday, the rights organization said that a large number of children are being infected daily with measles or its symptoms, many are being hospitalized, and some are dying. ASK described these deaths from a preventable disease as a serious failure of public health management, policy planning, and state preparedness.

The organization noted that effective, safe, and low-cost vaccines against measles have long been available, raising questions about why timely vaccine procurement, supply, and regular immunization programs were not ensured. ASK emphasized that under Articles 15 and 18 of the Constitution, the state has a constitutional obligation to protect citizens’ health, particularly children, from preventable diseases. It also cited Bangladesh’s commitments under Article 24 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to ensure vaccination and disease prevention.

ASK urged the government to immediately expand emergency vaccination nationwide, prioritize vulnerable regions and communities, ensure free quality treatment for affected children, strengthen vaccine supply systems, and hold those responsible for past negligence accountable.