Two doctors at the Veramara Upazila Health Complex in Kushtia were issued show-cause notices on Sunday for being absent without explanation. The action followed a surprise inspection conducted on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. by Professor Dr. Zahid Raihan, Additional Director General (Administration) of the Directorate General of Health Services. During the visit, he found that two of the three doctors assigned to the outpatient department were absent without valid reason.

The inspection was part of an effort to address mismanagement and resolve recent tensions between hospital authorities and local political figures. Journalists present raised questions about irregularities and corruption, including allegations of unauthorized fees for ECG tests and treatment of poisoning cases, as well as inadequate patient facilities. Dr. Raihan instructed the district civil surgeon and upazila health officer to resolve these issues promptly and warned that repeated violations would lead to permanent action.

Upazila Health Officer Mizanur Rahman confirmed that the two doctors were formally served show-cause letters on Sunday morning but declined to disclose their names.

Two primary school students, Junayet from Patuakhali’s Dashmina upazila and Sifatulllah Siam from Pirojpur’s Mathbaria upazila, fell ill in their classrooms on Saturday during an ongoing heatwave. Both fourth-grade students fainted while classes were in session and received primary treatment. Teachers said the incidents occurred due to extreme heat and lack of electricity during class hours.

Earlier, a third-grade student named Amena Akter from Cumilla’s Makrampur Government Primary School had also fainted in class on Thursday. Parents and teachers attributed the incidents to the combination of intense heat and frequent load-shedding, which left classrooms without fans. Teachers reported that many students were suffering from dizziness, vomiting, and weakness, while normal teaching activities were being disrupted.

The Bangladesh Primary Teachers’ Association urged the government to adjust school hours so that classes end by noon to protect children from rising temperatures. The Directorate of Primary Education declined to comment, calling it a policy matter, and the state minister for primary and mass education could not be reached for response.

At least 50 million people in Bangladesh are at risk of thyroid-related hormone disorders, according to Professor Dr. Farid Uddin, president of the Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and Diabetologists of Bangladesh (ACEDB). Speaking as chief guest at an event held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Saturday, he emphasized that early detection and proper treatment can prevent serious complications. He called for public awareness to reduce the family and social burden of these conditions.

Dr. Farid Uddin described hormone disorders as silent killers that can lead to obesity, weakness, infertility, and various sexual health issues. He noted that treatment for most hormone-related diseases is available in Bangladesh, including at government hospitals. He attributed the rise in hormonal imbalance to unhealthy lifestyles, poor diet, pollution, and excessive chemical use, but said regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and stress control can reduce risks.

He also stressed the importance of early testing for newborns to prevent complications, noting that timely diagnosis and low-cost treatment can help affected children lead normal lives.

A severe shortage of rabies vaccines has been reported in several hospitals across Bangladesh, leaving patients like Ruby Akter from Munshiganj struggling to buy doses privately after dog bites. Hospital officials confirmed that government supplies of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) have stopped, forcing facilities to ration limited stocks and ask patients who can afford it to purchase vaccines themselves. The shortage is particularly acute outside major cities, though Dhaka’s Infectious Disease Hospital reportedly has full supply.

The crisis extends beyond rabies vaccines. The country’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) is also facing depleted reserves of multiple vaccines, including those for measles and rubella. Officials at the EPI office in Dhaka acknowledged that the national “buffer stock” has run out, while the health minister publicly denied any shortage, claiming six months of supply remain. Public health experts warned that the absence of reserve stocks poses serious epidemic risks.

The report links the crisis to the government’s withdrawal from the health sector’s five-year Operational Plan in 2025 without a replacement funding mechanism, disrupting procurement and leaving vaccine transport workers unpaid for months.

Dr. Mustafa Lutful Aziz, the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer (UHFPO) of Banaripara in Barishal, faces serious allegations of operating a private clinic business while holding a government post. Reports claim he owns a 30 percent share in Hamid Memorial Clinic and has been referring patients from the government hospital to his clinic for financial gain. Despite available surgical facilities at the public hospital, patients were allegedly persuaded to seek treatment at the private clinic, incurring higher costs.

Investigations reveal Dr. Mustafa joined the Banaripara Upazila Health Complex in 2008 and became a shareholder in the nearby Hamid Memorial Clinic from its inception. After being transferred once for similar reasons, he returned in January 2026 and resumed operations at his clinic. Local residents accuse him of exploiting his position to benefit his business, depriving poor patients of government healthcare services.

Dr. Mustafa denied owning any clinic, though an audio clip reportedly contradicts his claim. Barishal Civil Surgeon Dr. S.M. Manjur Elahi stated that government doctors cannot engage in private business and promised departmental action if the allegations are proven.

Experts in Bangladesh have warned that exposure to light, air, and oxygen significantly reduces the nutritional value of vitamins A and D in fortified edible oils. They emphasized that transparent bottles allow ultraviolet rays to degrade these vitamins, while opaque or laminated packaging can effectively preserve their potency. The Ministry of Health’s Technical Advisory Committee conducted a national survey in 2025 on vitamin D levels among 2,481 people, revealing widespread deficiencies across age groups and pregnant women.

The survey results prompted a proposal for nationwide vitamin D fortification in edible oils, complementing existing vitamin A enrichment. The Ministry of Industry is awaiting formal recommendations from the Ministry of Health to proceed. Experts from organizations such as GAIN, the National Heart Foundation, and Progotir Jonyo Gyan highlighted that consumer preference for transparent packaging and manufacturers’ lack of awareness about light sensitivity remain major challenges.

Stakeholders called for stronger public awareness, inter-ministerial coordination, and mandatory use of opaque, light-resistant packaging to ensure the nutritional integrity of fortified oils and improve public health outcomes.

Fakir Mahbub Anam, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and Science and Technology, visited the July war-injured individuals undergoing treatment at Vejthani International Hospital in Thailand on Friday. During the visit, he inquired about their physical condition and wished them a speedy recovery.

The minister also spoke with the attending doctors to learn about the ongoing treatment process. On behalf of the Prime Minister, he assured both the injured individuals and the hospital authorities of all necessary support. Additionally, Fakir Mahbub Anam personally donated 100,000 Thai Baht from his own fund to assist the injured.

The visit reflected the government’s continued concern for the welfare of those injured in the July conflict and its commitment to ensuring their proper medical care abroad.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Shakhawat Hossain announced that the current government has an adequate supply of measles vaccines and has launched a nationwide vaccination campaign. He made the statement on Friday afternoon while visiting the 250-bed General Hospital in Munshiganj.

The minister said that the previous two governments failed to conduct regular measles vaccination campaigns, which were supposed to be held every four years. As a result, a large number of children became infected with measles. He attributed the current situation to that negligence. The minister added that the present BNP government has started measles vaccination activities in 30 upazilas across 18 districts.

He also stated that Dr. Ahmad Kabir, the hospital superintendent, was temporarily withdrawn for making an irresponsible statement claiming there was no rabies vaccine. The minister said the statement was incorrect and intentional, and departmental action would be taken. During the visit, the Munshiganj civil surgeon also ordered the withdrawal of a stenotypist from the civil surgeon’s office.

The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) is joining the ongoing nationwide measles vaccination campaign under the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) to strengthen outreach in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) areas. The government began the campaign on 20 April 2026 to combat a measles outbreak, with activities running from 12 April to 11 May. DNCC currently operates 599 vaccination centers, including permanent, temporary, and evening sites, and has vaccinated 378,990 children, achieving 78% of its target.

To ensure no child is left unvaccinated, BDRCS will deploy 104 trained volunteers across 30 high-risk wards of DNCC. The plan, finalized in a coordination meeting at the DNCC office, will be implemented from 25 April for 11 days. Additionally, 124 volunteers will serve at 50 selected centers in 31 wards, with 10 centers featuring child-friendly corners.

DNCC will also display measles awareness visuals on billboards and continue public awareness campaigns through loudspeaker announcements across its 54 wards.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued an emergency directive instructing all government hospitals in Bangladesh to increase bed capacity to handle the growing number of measles patients. The order, signed by Dr. Abu Hossain Md. Moinul Ahsan, Director of Hospitals and Clinics, was released on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Hospitals have been told not to refuse or redirect any measles or measles-symptom patients due to bed shortages.

According to the directive, hospitals must arrange additional beds if necessary and can only refer patients when advanced or complex treatment is required. The DGHS also emphasized that all referrals must follow the established chain from upazila health complexes to district, medical college, and specialized hospitals. Any violation of this rule will hold the hospital head responsible.

DGHS data show that between March 15 and April 22, a total of 38 children died from measles, while 190 children with measles symptoms also died during the same period.

Bangladesh’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain announced that the government will soon recruit 100,000 health workers to address manpower shortages in the health sector. He also stated that ten armed Ansar personnel will be deployed at each upazila-level hospital to ensure doctors’ safety. The minister made these remarks on Wednesday in Dhaka’s Shahbagh after signing a memorandum of understanding to launch a Bangladesh-China joint surgical clinic.

Hossain added that the country currently has a six-month stock of measles vaccines, assuring that there will be no shortage in the coming months. He urged the public not to panic about vaccine availability. The memorandum signed with China aims to establish joint surgical clinics and mobile medical services in Bangladesh.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen expressed hope that bilateral cooperation in complex surgeries and medical services will reach new heights through this initiative.

Twenty students became ill after eating food provided under the school feeding program at Shankarbati Government Primary School No. 1 in Chapainawabganj municipality on Wednesday afternoon. According to school sources, bread, milk, bananas, and eggs were distributed to students around 11 a.m. as part of the regular program. Shortly after eating, at least 20 students from grades two to four experienced vomiting, severe stomach pain, dizziness, and eye irritation, causing panic across the school.

Teachers provided initial care and separated the sick students, while parents rushed to the school and later took their children to local clinics for treatment. Acting headteacher Shamsunnahar stated that the supplying organization, GAK, had previously been accused of providing low-quality food and that the issue had been reported multiple times without improvement. Attempts to contact the company’s district field officer, Liton Mia, were unsuccessful.

District Primary Education Officer Saiful Islam said a committee has been formed to investigate the incident and that strict action will be taken if negligence is proven.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed strong dissatisfaction in parliament over the failure to import measles vaccines during the periods of autocratic and interim governments. Responding to a question from Jamaat-e-Islami MP Salah Uddin during the parliamentary question session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, the prime minister said that the lack of vaccine imports over several years had led to the deaths of many children. He added that the government has taken swift measures to address the situation, including efforts to procure measles detection kits.

Salah Uddin raised concerns about the suspension of measles testing facilities in most institutions, including the country’s only infectious disease institute in Chattogram, forcing samples to be sent to Dhaka. In response, the prime minister acknowledged the shortage of testing kits and confirmed that the government is working to resolve it. She noted that UNICEF Bangladesh had provided significant assistance by sending vaccines quickly, enabling the government to plan immunization for about 20 million children.

The prime minister reiterated that the government is taking steps to control the situation and expedite the release of testing kits held in customs.

Dr. Golam Sarwar Liaquat Hossain Bhuiyan, director of the National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital, has warned that air pollution and smoking are driving a rise in respiratory illnesses across Bangladesh. In an interview published on April 22, 2026, he said that vehicle emissions, brick kilns, industrial pollution, mosquito coils, and sprays are key triggers for asthma, while chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is mainly linked to smoking. He emphasized that persistent cough, chest pain, and breathing difficulties should prompt immediate medical consultation.

The doctor noted that rural areas still face major challenges in diagnosing and treating chest diseases due to shortages of sputum testing and X-ray facilities. He added that Dhaka ranks among the world’s most polluted cities, citing vehicle smoke, construction dust, and unplanned industrialization as major causes. He urged stronger public awareness campaigns to discourage smoking and improve early detection of tuberculosis and other lung diseases.

He also recommended expanding vaccination coverage for pneumonia among older adults to reduce severe outcomes and called for better diagnostic and referral systems in rural healthcare.

Intern doctors at Rajshahi Medical College (RAMEC) Hospital resumed duty on Wednesday morning after a 24-hour work stoppage. The decision was announced at a press briefing held at 9 a.m. in the hospital’s emergency department office, where the interns declared the withdrawal of their protest and return to duty.

The interns stated that the hospital director had agreed to ensure a safe working environment for doctors and to take necessary legal action against those involved in a recent attack on medical staff. Following this assurance, the interns ended their strike and returned to their respective wards. The work stoppage had been called the previous morning to protest the attack and demand workplace safety.

Hospital authorities claimed that patient care was not significantly disrupted during the protest, as mid- and senior-level doctors took on additional responsibilities to maintain services.