Twenty students in Madaripur fell ill after consuming government-provided tiffin meals, prompting the district administration to form a five-member investigation committee. The committee, headed by Additional Deputy Commissioner Jewel Ahmed, was instructed to submit its report within three working days. The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 8, when students in several areas of Sadar upazila ate bread and eggs distributed under the government feeding program by a contractor named Samata Traders.

Soon after eating, students began suffering from stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Several students from Pokrar Char Government Primary School were hospitalized in serious condition, causing panic among parents. The affected schools include Pokrar Char, Razar Char, Haujdi, and Kordi Government Primary Schools, among others. District Primary Education Officer Md. Fazle Elahi stated that expired food items were responsible for the illness and that higher authorities had been informed.

Samata Traders’ operations manager AFM Ahasanul Habib said the company supplies tiffin to 89,151 students in 723 schools across five upazilas and promised greater caution in the future.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. M A Muhit, announced that the government plans to increase the national health budget fivefold in line with its election manifesto. He made the statement on Wednesday at the launch of the ‘Comprehensive Eye Care Services’ project held at Six Seasons Hotel in Dhaka’s Gulshan. The project is jointly implemented by Sightsavers and Gildan Activewear.

Dr. Muhit described the country’s health sector as suffering from unprecedented corruption and mismanagement, calling the reform of the broken system a major challenge. He noted that budget allocations often remain underutilized due to limited capacity, which requires urgent improvement. The minister, who has long worked in blindness prevention, expressed personal emotion about returning to his field through this initiative.

The project will provide eye screening, cataract surgery, medicines, and glasses for garment workers and marginalized communities in Savar’s Pathalia and Dhamsana unions, along with school-based eye health and awareness programs. Dr. Muhit emphasized that access to healthcare is a citizen’s right and urged industrial entrepreneurs to support similar initiatives.

A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight bound for Chennai returned to the boarding bridge at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after a passenger became seriously ill just before takeoff. The BG-363 flight was scheduled to depart at 11:20 a.m. on Wednesday. While the aircraft was on the runway preparing for departure, cabin crew informed the pilot about the passenger’s sudden illness. The pilot immediately contacted air traffic control, canceled the takeoff, and requested permission to return.

Air traffic control informed the pilot that two military aircraft were about to land and that the flight could return once they had landed. The pilot confirmed that ground services were ready and that oxygen was being administered to the passenger onboard. After the military aircraft landed, BG-363 was cleared to return to the boarding bridge, where the passenger was safely disembarked and given medical assistance.

According to airport authorities, the flight resumed its journey at 1:10 p.m. and landed in Chennai at 3:07 p.m. Biman Bangladesh Airlines stated that passenger safety and emergency medical support were given top priority.

A five-year-old child suffering from fever was mistakenly administered a dog vaccine at Shahrasthi Upazila Health Complex in Chandpur on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. The incident occurred in the emergency department when two patients arrived simultaneously—one with fever and another with a dog bite. The on-duty doctor issued separate prescriptions, but the sub-assistant community medical officer (SACMO) Abu Yusuf injected the wrong vaccine without verifying the prescription.

Following the error, a dispute arose between the patient’s guardians and hospital staff, drawing attention from local and national media. Abu Yusuf admitted the mistake, describing it as unintentional and assured that the child faced no health risk. He expressed regret for the incident.

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Aklima Jahan confirmed awareness of the matter, stating that although the vaccine was given by mistake, it posed no danger to the patient. She added that the responsible SACMO would be formally asked to explain his negligence. The affected family has reportedly filed a complaint with the Upazila Nirbahi Officer.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque emphasized the need for science-based, evidence-driven, and sustainable initiatives to prevent drug abuse. He made the remarks while joining virtually as chief guest at a seminar titled “Youth Voice for Evidence-Based Prevention: Prevent, Don’t Promote,” held in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, on Wednesday morning. The event was jointly organized by the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) Bangladesh Chapter and Dhaka Ahsania Mission to mark World Health Day.

The seminar, chaired by ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter Chairman Dr. M A Mohit Kamal, featured speakers including Professor Dr. Golam Rahman, Additional Director General of the Department of Narcotics Control Mohammad Golam Azam, and Professor Dr. Mehzabin Haque of Dhaka University. Speakers highlighted that drug abuse is not only a personal health issue but also a major threat to social stability and future generations. They stressed the importance of combining traditional methods with scientific and evidence-based strategies.

Participants also underscored the need to make mental health and rehabilitation services more accessible and youth-friendly, reduce drug availability, and strengthen family and institutional roles in prevention. A youth declaration presented at the seminar recommended implementing science-based prevention programs.

A clash broke out between Dhaka University students and doctors at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Wednesday afternoon, leading to the suspension of emergency services. The incident began around 5:30 p.m. when a student seeking treatment was advised to buy a prescribed medicine from outside the hospital. After failing to find the medicine, the student returned with classmates, and an argument with on-duty doctors escalated into physical confrontation. Several people were injured, and the situation quickly spread tension across the hospital area.

Following the incident, intern doctors stopped emergency services, demanding workplace safety. Patients from across the country faced severe difficulties, with some waiting in ambulances for hours. Police arrived promptly and brought the situation under control. By evening, the hospital area remained tense as students gathered in protest.

Doctors stated that emergency services would remain closed until those responsible for the attack were punished and full security was ensured. Dhaka University’s assistant proctor confirmed that the university authorities were investigating the matter.

After three hours of intense tension, chasing, and a halt in medical services, the situation at Dhaka Medical College Hospital began returning to normal late Wednesday night. Emergency services resumed around 9:30 p.m. following assurances of a proper investigation and justice from the authorities. The hospital’s main gate reopened to the public around 10:15 p.m.

To control the situation, Dhaka University and Dhaka Medical authorities held an emergency meeting. A six-member high-level investigation committee, led by Dr. Nadim Ahmed of the surgery department, was formed to identify those responsible. The committee was instructed to submit a full report by Saturday. Both institutions pledged to take strict administrative and legal action after reviewing CCTV footage.

The clash reportedly began around 5:30 p.m. over a minor issue involving a Dhaka University student seeking treatment. The incident escalated into a physical altercation, injuring at least four people. Intern doctors stopped work in protest, paralyzing emergency services. Although they resumed duties after the investigation assurance, they warned of a complete shutdown if visible action is not taken within 24 hours.

In Bangladesh’s parliament, Brahmanbaria-2 MP Rumin Farhana voiced concern over child deaths from measles and a severe vaccine shortage. During a special discussion chaired by Speaker Hafiz Ahmed, she criticized mismanagement in the health sector. Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain acknowledged the vaccine shortfall but said the government had stabilized the situation.

Rumin alleged that routine immunization suffered major gaps after the COVID-19 period, worsened by unpaid wages of vaccine transport workers for nine months and staff shortages. She cited data showing 98 suspected and 16 confirmed child deaths from measles between March 15 and April 4, and claimed vaccine reserves for 10 diseases were nearly depleted. The minister confirmed the wage arrears and said payments had begun. He added that unused ADB funds of 604 crore taka were being used through UNICEF to procure vaccines, with 419 crore finalized and 200 crore worth already delivered.

Emergency vaccination began on April 5 in 18 high-risk districts, with nationwide campaigns set for May 20 and city programs from April 12. The minister said WHO and UNICEF reported 41 measles deaths and assured that vaccine stocks were now stable.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain announced that Bangladesh will start a nationwide measles vaccination campaign on April 20, moving the schedule forward by 14 days. The announcement came during a parliamentary session after an independent lawmaker raised an urgent notice about the measles outbreak. The minister confirmed that the country’s vaccine stock is stable and sufficient for the campaign.

He stated that the government has secured 21.9 million doses of the measles-rubella vaccine, with an additional reserve in storage. To avoid corruption and delays, vaccines are being procured directly from UNICEF instead of through the tender process. Already, 3.483 million doses have been distributed to high-risk upazilas since April 5. The minister emphasized that the cold chain is being maintained and urged the public not to panic about the outbreak.

He also mentioned that salary payments for workers who had not been paid for nine months have begun, and other administrative issues are being addressed.

A health desk report published on April 8, 2026, provided a comprehensive question-and-answer guide on measles vaccination in Bangladesh. The report explained that measles is a viral disease with no specific cure, and regular vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure. Two types of vaccines are available in the country: MR through the government program and MMR privately. Under the national EPI schedule, children receive the first dose at nine months and the second at fifteen months of age.

The guide stated that two doses provide 97–99 percent protection against measles. It also clarified that infants under nine months are usually protected by maternal antibodies, though vaccination may begin at six months during outbreaks. The report outlined procedures for delayed or missed doses, booster requirements, and vaccination eligibility for adolescents and adults. It also listed cases where vaccination should be avoided, such as in pregnant women and severely immunocompromised patients.

Additionally, the report discussed post-exposure prophylaxis, recommending MMR vaccine or immunoglobulin within specific timeframes for exposed individuals, depending on age and immune status.

Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reported that 149 children have died from measles or measles-like symptoms between March 15 and April 7, 2026. Among them, 21 deaths were confirmed measles cases and 128 were suspected. In the latest 24-hour period ending on April 7, 11 new child deaths were recorded, including one confirmed and ten suspected cases. The DGHS control room released the data in an official statement on Tuesday.

According to the DGHS Integrated Control Center, 1,236 new suspected cases were identified nationwide in the same 24-hour period, with 641 hospital admissions. Since mid-March, authorities have recorded 9,883 suspected and 1,398 confirmed measles cases. The report indicates that Rajshahi and Dhaka divisions have the highest infection and death rates, with 58 and 51 child deaths respectively. Other divisions reported smaller numbers, including Chattogram with 10, Khulna with 6, Barishal with 2, and Sylhet with 1.

Hospitals across the country currently have 6,883 admitted children, while 4,635 have been discharged after treatment.

At a World Health Day seminar jointly organized by Gonoshasthaya Kendra and Gono University in Savar, speakers revealed that 36 widely used antibiotics have lost their effectiveness due to growing antimicrobial resistance. The event, held at the PHA Auditorium with Dhaka-19 Member of Parliament Dr. Dewan Md. Salauddin as chief guest, followed a rally on the university campus. Professor Dr. Mahmudul Hasan Shikder of Bangladesh Agricultural University presented the keynote paper, linking global travel, environmental change, and unhealthy food habits to the spread of new diseases.

Professor Dr. Farida Yasmin of Gonoshasthaya Samajbhittik Medical College stated that the 36 antibiotics no longer work against some common infections, and six new antibiotics have shown little promise. She urged physicians to stop indiscriminate antibiotic use and to inform patients about proper dosage and side effects. The seminar emphasized coordinated efforts across human, animal, and environmental health sectors to ensure safe food and effective disease control.

Gono University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Abul Hossain called for continuing the mission of late Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury to achieve universal primary healthcare through collective action.

Health Minister Sardar Md. Shakhawat Hossain has announced that the government is taking necessary steps to recruit 100,000 health workers in line with its current election manifesto. He made the statement in parliament on Tuesday, April 7, while responding to a starred question from ruling party member Ikramul Bari Tipu, representing Naogaon-4.

The minister detailed recent recruitment efforts, noting that on January 22 of the current year, 2,984 assistant surgeons and 279 dental surgeons were appointed through the 48th BCS, while 98 assistant surgeons (MBBS) and 22 dental surgeons were recruited through the 44th BCS. Additionally, on December 18 of the previous year, 162 assistant surgeons (MBBS doctors) were appointed through the 27th BCS.

These initiatives reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the national healthcare workforce and fulfill commitments outlined in its electoral pledges.

Prime Minister’s Political Affairs Adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has called for coordinated efforts by the government, the Health Ministry, medical professionals, and public health stakeholders to contain the ongoing measles outbreak. Speaking at a rally marking World Health Day in Dhaka, he warned that misinformation, superstition, and neglect in the health sector have increased the risk of measles, and that failure to act swiftly could worsen the situation.

Rizvi said the current outbreak has claimed 38 lives between mid-March and April, with Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Mymensingh identified as hotspots. He noted that seven children died within 24 hours nationwide, urging immediate action from health authorities. He criticized the lack of attention to healthcare over the past 15 years and highlighted insufficient funding for medical research, saying that allocations of only a few lakh taka and added VAT on journal reviews hinder scientific progress.

He expressed hope that patriotic doctors and health workers would respond quickly and effectively to prevent further spread of measles and safeguard public health.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Affairs Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman announced that the government aims to vaccinate all children against measles across Bangladesh by May 21, ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. He made the statement during a press briefing at the Secretariat’s PID conference room on Tuesday. The adviser said that a new outbreak of measles has emerged and that the current government is taking the issue seriously to contain it.

According to Dr. Rahman, vaccination activities have already begun in 30 upazilas across 18 districts. From April 12, the campaign will expand to Dhaka North and South, Mymensingh, and Barishal, and from May 3, it will be conducted nationwide. The first phase targets 30 high-risk hotspot areas, with gradual expansion based on field readiness and disease conditions.

He added that isolation facilities have been arranged in government hospitals, health workers’ leave has been canceled, and doctors’ presence in district and upazila hospitals is being ensured. The adviser expressed sorrow over child deaths from measles and pledged to prevent such situations in the future.