United News of Bangladesh

Five more children died from measles and similar symptoms in Bangladesh in the 24 hours till 8:00am on Thursday, bringing the total death toll to 565 since March 15, 2026. Of the new deaths, five were confirmed as measles-related while no one classified as suspected, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Among the suspected deaths, the highest five were reported in Dhaka division. With these, the total number of confirmed deaths from measles has risen to 88 while suspected deaths have reached 477. According to DGHS data, a total of 826 suspected measles cases were recorded in the last 24 hours, taking the overall suspected cases to 67,905. During the same period, 51 new confirmed measles cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 8,885. Since March 15, a total of 54,188 suspected measles patients were hospitalised, of whom 50,926 have recovered.

Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain on Wednesday said an investigation committee has been formed and those responsible will be punished over the deaths of six newborns at a private hospital in Dhaka allegedly caused by negligence of the hospital authorities. Speaking to journalists after visiting Shaheed Syed Nazrul Islam Medical College Hospital in Kishoreganj, he said the incident occurred due to a disruption in oxygen support linked to the Ad Din Medical College Hospital's air-conditioning system. “The clinic authorities switched off the air-conditioning system and did not restart it until 4am. As a result, there was a shortage of oxygen support, leading to the deaths of six children,” he said. The minister said police had already been deployed at the clinic, while the director general and additional director general of the health department had visited the site. “An inquiry committee has been formed. Necessary punitive measures will be taken against those responsible. We also want to send a strong message so that such negligence is not repeated elsewhere,” he added. Referring to government drives against irregularities in the healthcare sector, Sakhawat said authorities had shut down a number of unlicensed clinics and facilities where surgeries, including caesarean operations, were allegedly being conducted without qualified doctors. The health minister also blamed the previous government for the recent rise in measles infections, alleging widespread corruption in the health sector over the past 17 years. He claimed that despite repeated requests from international organisations, including UNICEF, Gavi and ADB, the previous administration procured measles and other vaccines from private sources instead of collecting them through international channels. “They did not seek vaccines internationally because of personal financial interests,” he alleged. During the hospital visit, the minister spoke with patients and their relatives about various healthcare-related problems. Mazharul Islam, Kishoreganj Deputy Commissioner Sohana Nasrin, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Mizanur Rahman and District Council Chairman Khaled Saifullah Sohel, were also present. Earlier in the day, the minister also visited Pakundia and Hossainpur Upazila Health Complexes.  

Additional Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr Md Zahid Raihan said it would be very difficult to determine the actual cause behind the deaths of six newborns at the Ad-Din Medical College Hospital in the capital without conducting postmortem examinations. Talking to reporters after visiting the hospital, he said identifying the root cause without postmortem would be “difficult,” though legal proceedings could still move forward based on circumstantial evidence. “Without postmortem, identifying the actual incident is difficult. In that case, the court of law will determine the course of legal proceedings based on circumstantial evidence,” he said. “If you ask for my opinion, then for such unusual and abnormal deaths, the legal and proper procedure is to conduct postmortem examinations,” he added. Referring to the sensitivity surrounding the issue, Dr Raihan said the deceased babies were extremely small and vulnerable. “One guardian brought a baby to me and asked where we would conduct incisions on such a tiny body. I could not answer him,” he said, adding that he personally feels the matter should largely be left to the decision of the guardians. However, he noted that legal obligations still exist even if some parents are unwilling to allow postmortem examinations. “Many guardians told us they do not want postmortem examinations on their babies. Even if they are unwilling, there are certain legal obligations. Procedures will have to be maintained accordingly,” he said. Dr Raihan said officials have already discussed the matter with the Ramna Division deputy commissioner of police, stressing that postmortem examinations would be preferable for the investigation. He added that even if postmortems are ultimately not conducted, the investigation process will continue and the matter could proceed to the highest levels of the legal system.

Bangladesh logged another record-high daily measles death toll as 17 children died from measles and related symptoms in the 24 hours until 8:00am on Monday, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). With the latest fatalities, the total deaths from the ongoing outbreak have risen to 545 since March 15 this year. This marks the second time the country has recorded 17 deaths in a single day – the highest daily toll since the outbreak began. Bangladesh previously reported 17 measles-related deaths on May 4. Of the new deaths, one was confirmed as measles-related, while the remaining 16 were classified as suspected. Among the suspected deaths, the highest five were reported in Dhaka division. With this, the total number of suspected measles deaths has reached 458, while the confirmed deaths stood at 87. According to DGHS data, a total of 1,127 suspected measles cases were recorded in the last 24 hours, taking the overall suspected cases to 64,940. During the period, 97 new confirmed measles cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 8,719. Since March 15, a total of 51,585 suspected measles patients were hospitalised, of whom 47,619 have recovered.

The fifth Grameen Eye Hospital, built under the initiative of Grameen Health Care Services Limited (GHS), has been officially inaugurated in Rajshahi. The hospital's own building at Maskatadighi in Katakhali was opened recently, bringing GHS's total number of eye hospitals in the country to five. Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus joined virtually to officially inaugurate the hospital, said the Yunus Centre on Sunday. He urged those involved to work towards making the Grameen Eye Hospital a unique institution in eye care services in Bangladesh. At the newly built hospital, patients can receive eye examinations using advanced equipment and specialist consultations for only 100 taka. Patients attending outreach camps receive these services free of charge. The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art medical technologies, including Alcon's Centurion Phaco Machine, Carl Zeiss YAG Laser and Microscope, and Topcon OCT and Visual Field Analyzer, ensuring advanced and quality eye care for all patients. Fast Track Service facilities have also been introduced for those who prefer shorter wait times, and patients will be able to receive modern cataract surgeries and various specialised eye care treatments according to their needs. At the inauguration, Grameen Group Chairman Md. Ashraful Hasan unveiled the hospital's nameplate and planted a mango sapling as a symbol of environmental conservation. He noted that while the initial three-story building , approximately 36,000 square feet, opens with 10 beds, it will later be developed into a full six-story eye hospital. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Md. Mahfuzur Rahman Riton, Administrator of Rajshahi City Corporation; Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman, Divisional Director of Health, Rajshahi; and Md. Forhad Hossain, Assistant Deputy Director of Fire Service and Civil Defence, Rajshahi, along with other distinguished guests. All highly appreciated the Grameen Group's contribution to healthcare development and humanitarian services. Prof. S. Shamsul Haque Ahmed, Managing Director of GHS; board members Prof. S.M. Huzzatul Islam Latifee, Nazneen Sultana, Dr. Lutfar Rahman, A.K.M. Moinuddin Chowdhury; and advisers Abdul Hai Khan and Lamiya Morshed were also present at the event along with other officials.  After the ceremony, guests inspected the hospital's infrastructure and medical equipments. GHS is a social business enterprise founded by Nobel Peace Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, and has long worked to ensure equitable, affordable, and modern eye care services for people across Bangladesh. The first Grameen Eye Hospital was established in Bogura in 2007, followed by Rupatali, Barisal in May 2009, Thakurgaon in March 2013, and Satkhira in 2020. In addition, GHS operates 20 Vision Centers across the country to deliver quality services to disadvantaged and rural communities. Following Prof Yunus's "Three Zeros" philosophy - zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero carbon emissions - GHS is implementing sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives in healthcare. With this goal, GHS plans to convert all its hospitals and Vision Centers to solar-powered green energy systems by December 2026. Under "Vision 2030," GHS is working to provide quality eye care to the country's disadvantaged and marginal communities, with a focus on women's empowerment, climate responsibility, and decentralisation of health services. By December 2026, GHS intends to open eight new women-led Green Vision Centers, and by 2030 to establish five more eye hospitals, one tertiary eye hospital, and 40 Vision Centers. So far, GHS has served over 3.33 million patients, of whom 26 percent received care completely free of charge. More than 200,000 surgeries have been successfully performed, 51 percent of which were free or subsidised.  

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Saturday recommended in principle a proposal to procure Vitamin A capsules through the direct procurement method (DPM) from the United Nations Children’s Fund to ensure uninterrupted supply of the supplements across the country. The recommendation came at the committee’s 15th meeting this year, held at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat with Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury in the chair. According to officials, the proposal submitted by the Health Services Division sought policy approval for procuring Vitamin A capsules of 200,000 IU and 100,000 IU through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) under the DPM system to maintain uninterrupted nationwide supply of the essential supplements. The committee recommended the proposal for policy approval. In another decision, the committee also recommended policy approval for the post-facto appointment of the existing contractor under the direct procurement method for operating the New Mooring Container Terminal, including the overflow yard, under the Chittagong Port Authority. The proposal, submitted by the Ministry of Shipping, said the agreement signed with Chittagong Dry Dock Limited had expired. Under the proposal, the existing contractor will continue operating the terminal for the next six months or until a new contractor is appointed, whichever comes first, under the existing rates and conditions.

Thirteen more children died from measles and similar symptoms in Bangladesh in 24 hours till 8:00 am on Saturday, taking the total death toll to 512 since 15th March 2026. This is the second highest single-day toll since the outbreak of the highly contagious but preventable disease in March this year. Of the new deaths, one was confirmed as measles-related while the remaining 12 were classified as suspected, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Among the suspected deaths, the highest four were reported in Dhaka and Sylhet divisions each. With these, the total number of confirmed deaths from measles has risen to 86 while suspected deaths have reached 426, it said. According to DGHS data, a total of 972 suspected measles cases were recorded in the last 24 hours, taking the overall suspected cases to 62,507. During the same period, 49 new confirmed measles cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 8,494. Since March 15, a total of 49,389 suspected measles patients were hospitalised, of whom 45,011 have recovered.

Eleven children died from measles and similar symptoms in Bangladesh in the 24 hours till 8:00am on Friday, bringing the total death toll to 499 since March 15, 2026. Of the new deaths, two were confirmed as measles-related while the remaining nine were classified as suspected, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Among the suspected deaths, the highest five were reported in Sylhet division, including three in Sunamganj district. With these, the total number of confirmed deaths from measles has risen to 85 while suspected deaths have reached 414. According to DGHS data, a total of 1,261 suspected measles cases were recorded in the last 24 hours, taking the overall suspected cases to 60,540. During the same period, 54 new confirmed measles cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 8,329. Since March 15, a total of 47,511 suspected measles patients were hospitalised, of whom 43,411 have recovered.

Vaccines can play a critical role in reducing infections, lowering antibiotic use, and combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Bangladesh, a new policy brief released by the Global Antibiotic Resistance Partnership (GARP), led by the One Health Trust and icddr,b. The widening immunisation gaps and declining vaccine confidence could reverse decades of public health progress and worsen the country’s growing AMR burden, it said. The brief, The Value of Vaccines in Mitigating Antimicrobial Resistance in Bangladesh, argues thatvaccines should be recognised not only as tools to prevent infectious diseases, but also as acritical strategy to lower antibiotic use, slow the spread of drug-resistant infections, and protectpublic health in both the short and long term. The brief was developed as part of GARP’s wider international initiative to communicate cross-disciplinary evidence on the role of vaccines in mitigating AMR in country-specific contexts. Countries currently participating in this effort include Bangladesh, Côte d’Ivoire, India, Kenya,Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa, Uganda, and Vietnam. The brief comes at a critical moment for Bangladesh, which is currently experiencing one of itslargest measles outbreaks in recent years. As of May, more than 51,500 suspected measles casesand over 350 confirmed and suspected deaths had been reported nationwide in 2026. Public health experts say the outbreak reflects growing immunity gaps caused by disruptions in routineimmunisation and declining vaccine confidence in some communities. “Vaccines are among the most powerful and cost-effective tools available for reducing infections,lowering antibiotic use, and complementing broader efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance.Every infection prevented through vaccination represents a potential reduction in both antibioticuse and the emergence of resistant pathogens. Bangladesh’s ongoing measles outbreak remindsus how quickly immunisation gaps can reverse decades of public health progress,” said Dr. WasifAli Khan, Scientist, Enteric and Respiratory Infections, Infectious Diseases Division at icddr,b andChair of GARP-Bangladesh. Globally, AMR is now recognised as one of the greatest public health threats of the century.  According to estimates, AMR could cause more than 39 million deaths worldwide between 2025and 2050. In Bangladesh alone, 96,878 deaths were associated with AMR in 2021, while 23,454deaths were directly attributable to AMR. The policy brief acknowledges the significant progress Bangladesh has made through itsExpanded Programme on Immunization, which has helped eliminate neonatal tetanus, eradicate polio, and control congenital rubella syndrome over recent decades. However, it warns that thosegains cannot be taken for granted. Drawing on national and global evidence, the report shows that strengthening vaccine coveragecould substantially reduce Bangladesh’s AMR burden. The policy brief was developed collaboratively by the GARP-Bangladesh technical working groupcomprising multidisciplinary experts from icddr,b; Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS),Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Bangladesh Medical University|(BMU), University of Dhaka, WHO, UNICEF, Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA),ARK Foundation, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences, and the livestock sector under a OneHealth approach. Among its recommendations, the policy brief calls for sustaining universal childhood immunisationcoverage, expanding access to vaccines with proven AMR benefits, and integrating vaccinationmore fully into Bangladesh’s national AMR strategy. It also makes three vaccine-specific recommendations which could significantly reduce antibiotic use and the burden of AMR in Bangladesh: regularly evaluating the effectiveness of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines and transitioning to higher-valency formulations; ensuring the long-term integration of typhoid conjugate vaccine into routine immunisation; and accelerating the introduction of rotavirus vaccines.

Eleven more children died from measles and similar symptoms in Bangladesh in 24 hours till 8:00 am on Tuesday, taking the total death toll to 475 since 15th March 2026. Of the new deaths, nine were confirmed as measles-related while the remaining two were classified as suspected, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Among the suspected deaths, the highest three were reported in each Dhaka and Sylhet division. With these, the total number of confirmed deaths from measles has risen to 77 while suspected deaths have reached 398, it said. According to DGHS data, a total of 1,264 suspected measles cases were recorded in the last 24 hours, taking the overall suspected cases to 56,586. During the same period, 73 new confirmed measles cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 7,929. Since March 15, a total of 43,983 suspected measles patients were hospitalised, of whom 40,090 have recovered.