Dr Muhit said the country witnessed an unprecedented measles outbreak just 15 days after the current government took office.
State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit. Photo: TBS
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State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit. Photo: TBS
State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit has blamed serious administrative negligence and irresponsibility for the suspension of the regular measles vaccination programme and the failure to import emergency vaccine supplies during the interim government’s tenure.
He said a three-member investigation committee has started working to identify those responsible and ensure accountability.
The state minister made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists after an international research event at the Super Specialised Hospital in Shahbagh today (5 November).
Dr Muhit said the country witnessed an unprecedented measles outbreak just 15 days after the current government took office following the national election.
He said an investigation found that the national vaccination campaign, scheduled for late 2024 or early 2025, had not been conducted by the then government. No emergency vaccine stock had been maintained at the ministry either.
“People need to know who made such irresponsible decisions and why the necessary vaccines were not imported. We do not want to engage in blame politics, but no child should lose their life prematurely because of negligence by those responsible,” he said.
He added that the investigation committee, comprising a judge and an expert physician, was examining the entire process in detail.
Regarding the vaccine shortage, Dr Muhit said the government had collected vaccines urgently from various domestic and international sources after taking office. Within just one to two months, around 22 million children were brought under vaccination coverage, bringing the situation under control.
Earlier, speaking to journalists, the state minister expressed concern over the rising risk of heart disease among young people.
He said excessive stress, uncontrolled eating habits, smoking and a lack of physical exercise were causing many people to suffer heart attacks at a young age, with devastating consequences for their families.
He also announced the launch of a five-year research project, “Across-BD”, jointly undertaken by the UK, Bangladesh and Pakistan, to help heart patients in remote areas access affordable rehabilitation and mental health services from their homes.
The project will also provide eight young doctors and researchers from Bangladesh with opportunities to pursue PhDs internationally.
The state minister called on the media to play an active role in raising public awareness about the prevention of non-communicable diseases.
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