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.

Bangladesh’s Health Minister Sardar Md. Shakhawat Hossain informed Parliament that a total of Tk 4,394 crore 8 lakh 25 thousand has been spent so far on purchasing COVID-19 vaccines. He disclosed the figure on Tuesday during a session of the 13th National Parliament in response to a written question from Feni-2 lawmaker Zainal Abedin. The session was presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

According to the minister, a total allocation of Tk 4,685 crore 22 lakh 2 thousand 297 was made from the 2020–21 fiscal year for importing and purchasing vaccines and related equipment. Of this, Tk 30 crore 88 lakh 80 thousand was spent on syringes, Tk 19 crore 57 lakh 3 thousand 354 on transportation, and Tk 99 lakh 78 thousand 980 on syringe shipping and charges.

Responding to a question about possible irregularities in vaccine procurement, the minister stated that no specific complaints or information had been received by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. He added that the government remains committed to ensuring transparency and accountability and will take appropriate action if any irregularities are detected.

An emergency meeting of the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) technical committee on mosquito control was held on Monday morning at the Gulshan Nagar Bhaban. The session, chaired by DNCC Chief Health Officer Brigadier General Imrul Kayes Chowdhury, reviewed ongoing dengue prevention activities and discussed future strategies. DNCC Administrator Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan, attending as chief guest, said that different insecticide combinations will be tested in multiple laboratories, and decisions will be based on the results. He also announced plans for special public awareness campaigns on mosquito control.

The meeting focused on identifying new and more effective insecticides. Kurigram Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Rashedul Islam warned of a possible rise in dengue during the upcoming monsoon and emphasized early preparation. He noted that resistance to the larvicide temephos has been observed in some countries and recommended biological control methods and multi-site testing. Entomologist Professor Dr. Kabirul Bashar reported that malathion showed better results than novaluron and temephos in tests and suggested considering Bti as an alternative. Public health expert Professor Dr. Benazir Ahmed stressed source reduction and improved waste management as key to sustainable mosquito control.

At a webinar titled “Sustainable Financing to Combat Hypertension: Bangladesh Perspective,” experts emphasized the urgent need for increased and sustained funding to address the growing prevalence of hypertension and other noncommunicable diseases in Bangladesh. The event, organized by PROGGA with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator ahead of World Health Day, highlighted that hypertension now tops the list of the country’s ten most common diseases, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics’ Health and Morbidity Status Survey 2025. Noncommunicable diseases account for 71 percent of total deaths, yet only 4.2 percent of the national health budget is allocated to this sector.

Speakers noted that despite the government’s decision to supply hypertension medication through all community clinics, inadequate funding has hindered consistent distribution, limiting access for marginalized populations. Health officials and experts, including representatives from the Health Economics Unit, National Heart Foundation, and Dhaka University, called for increased budget allocations, efficient fund management, and effective implementation of public health policies to ensure uninterrupted medicine supply and reduce premature deaths.

Participants stressed that ensuring sustainable financing in the 2026–27 national budget is essential to strengthen hypertension control and protect public health nationwide.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain has attributed the current measles outbreak to mismanagement by previous governments. He made the remark on Sunday while inaugurating a measles vaccination campaign at the Nawabganj Upazila Health Complex in Dhaka.

The minister announced that measles vaccinations will begin simultaneously across all districts and upazilas on May 3. In Dhaka North and South City Corporations, as well as in Mymensingh and Barishal, vaccinations will start earlier on April 12. He also stated that the government has initiated the process of purchasing measles vaccines using 604 crore taka that remained unspent during the COVID-19 period.

According to World Health Organization data cited by the minister, 82 percent of measles patients are under five years old, and this group will be prioritized for vaccination, with others to follow in phases.

An emergency vaccination campaign against measles and rubella began in Mymensingh on Sunday morning to protect children from the two infectious diseases. The program was inaugurated at Churkhai Islamia Senior Fazil Madrasa center by Member of Parliament Abu Wahab Akand Wahid. Health officials, local administrators, and community representatives attended the event. On the first day, vaccination centers saw large crowds of parents eager to immunize their children.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services, the campaign aims to vaccinate 164,500 children aged six to 59 months across Sadar, Trishal, and Phulpur upazilas. Parents expressed relief after receiving the vaccines, saying they were worried by recent reports of measles-related hospitalizations and deaths in different parts of the country. The campaign is being conducted in phases to ensure full coverage.

Mymensingh Medical College Hospital reported that 19 new children showing measles symptoms were admitted in the past 24 hours, with 63 currently under treatment and six deaths recorded so far. Authorities said the government is prioritizing rapid implementation to curb the outbreak and strengthen child health protection.

Prime Minister’s Health Adviser Ziauddin Haider announced that the government has launched an emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign to curb the rapid rise of infections among children. Speaking on Sunday morning at the Dudhlemou vaccination center in Bakerganj, Barishal, he said the government aims to bring every child under the vaccination program within the scheduled timeframe.

Haider emphasized that ensuring full vaccination coverage will keep the nation’s children healthy and safe. He assured that there will be no shortage of vaccines and noted that several international health organizations are assisting in the campaign. The event was attended by Barishal City Corporation Administrator Advocate Bilkis Jahan Shirin, Divisional Health Director Shyamal Chandra Mondal, District Commissioner Khairul Alam Suman, Upazila Executive Officer Rumana Afroze, and Upazila Health Officer Dr. Sumi Akter.

Local political and community representatives were also present at the inauguration, reflecting broad support for the nationwide immunization initiative.