United News of Bangladesh

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Political Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday called for coordinated efforts to tackle the growing measles outbreak in the country. “The risk of measles has increased due to anti-vaccine misinformation, superstition and neglect in the health sector. The situation may become more complicated if effective steps are not taken quickly,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while inaugurating a rally organised by the BNP, marking the World Health Day 2026. The rally started from the Central Shaheed Minar and ended at the National Press Club. Rizvi urged the government, the Health Ministry, doctors and all those involved in public health to take joint action to prevent further spread of measles. Highlighting the importance of the day, he said World Health Day is significant for doctors, nurses and all those involved in healthcare services. Referring to this year’s theme, “ Together for health. Stand with science” Rizvi said the key message is to stay with science, as proper diagnosis, good health and effective treatment are not possible without it. He said the recent rise in measles cases is largely due to anti-vaccine propaganda and widespread misconceptions. “Even in developed countries, anti-vaccine groups are active which contributes to misinformation and superstition.” Rizvi said modern healthcare is the result of scientific advancement and people expect the government to respond quickly with necessary measures and support during any outbreak. He criticised past mismanagement in the health sector and said the current government elected by people is active but needs to give more importance to public health. The BNP leader also noted that the health sector did not receive adequate attention over the past 15 years and even during the interim period. Citing recent figures, Rizvi said 38 people died between March 12 and April while Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj and Mymensingh have emerged as measles hotspots. He deplored that seven children died across the country in the last 24 hours, stressing that such deaths deeply affect society and demand urgent action. Rizvi urged the Health Ministry and all concerned to act swiftly so that people can clearly see this is a pro-people government. The BNP leader said although there is a medical research council in the country but the allocation for research remains very limited, noting that meaningful research cannot be carried out with funding of only Tk200,000 to Tk500,000. He said the cost of research increases further due to a 23% VAT on journal reviews, and stressed the need for higher allocation for science and research. Rizvi expressed hope that doctors and healthcare professionals would play an active and timely role in tackling measles and similar public health threats.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday alleged that India does not want to see democracy in its neighbouring countries due to its hegemonic attitude. "India is a democratic country, but it does not want Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka to be governed by the will of their people. Why should they follow Delhi's words?" he said while inaugurating the three BNP associate bodies' march towards Agartala from Nayapaltan. He said the people of Bangladesh liberated the country from Pakistan by sacrificing blood, not to surrender to Delhi. BNP’s associate bodies start long march towards Agartala The BNP leader said if India demanded Chattogram as their part, then Bangladesh would demand Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha as its part. "We won't chew amla if they (India) come to occupy Chattogram." Rizvi alleged that India supported the 'bloodthirsty Lady Pharaoh, Sheikh Hasina,' over the last 16 years. He said the Indian ruling party has been criticised by democratic countries all over the world due to its communal attitude. BNP accuses India of 'direct aggression' in supporting Hasina The Indian ruling party has not understood the spirit, self-strength, and bravery of the people of Bangladesh. Later, the BNP associate bodies – Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, Swechchasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal – started their planned long march by travelling in several hundred cars, microbuses, and motorcycles towards Agartala from Dhaka at 9 am to protest against Indian aggression. Rizvi pledges to honour victims of July-August Uprising The programme is also meant to protest against the attack on the Bangladesh mission in Agartala, the desecration of the country's national flag, and the spread of false information and terrorism against Bangladesh by India. Several thousand leaders and activists from the three organisations formally began the long march with a huge motorcade from the party's Nayapaltan central office. BNP begins protest march towards Indian High Commission Before launching the long march, top leaders from the three organisations delivered brief speeches, condemning Indian politicians and media for their hegemonic attitude and attempting to disrupt religious harmony in Bangladesh through false and misleading campaigns. The leaders said they will end their peaceful long march along the Akhaura Indian border.