Commission formed to probe measles vaccine procurement irregularities during interim govt

The government has formed a three-member commission to investigate alleged irregularities, delays and administrative failures in the procurement and distribution of measles vaccines and their impact on public health.

The Cabinet Division issued a notification yesterday (4 November), appointing former High Court Division Justice Mamnoon Rahman as chairman of the commission.

Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS) President Prof Dr Moudud Hossain Alamgir and Health Services Division Additional Secretary ANM Moinul Islam have been appointed as members.

The move comes amid a measles outbreak that has claimed 1,269 confirmed and suspected lives in the country this year.

According to the notification, the commission will examine the responsibility of the interim government, which was in office from 8 August 2024 to 17 February 2026.

It will identify the causes of delays and irregularities in vaccine procurement and distribution, investigate administrative failures and determine those responsible.

The commission will also recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. It may make recommendations on other related matters it considers relevant.

The commission will have the authority to visit any place in Bangladesh and summon and question anyone as part of its investigation.

It has been instructed to complete its inquiry and submit a report to the government within 60 working days.

The Health Services Division will provide secretarial and other necessary support. It will also assign officials from the division or its subordinate organisations to assist with the investigation and meet the commission’s expenses.

Since 15 March this year, a total of 208,634 patients with suspected measles have been hospitalised across the country. Of them, 199,894 have recovered, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).