Case filed against Dr. Yunus and four others over child's death from measles

A petition has been filed in a Dhaka court alleging negligence in the procurement and supply of measles vaccines, including former chief advisor to the interim government. Dr. Muhammad Yunus has been charged with negligence in the procurement and supply of measles vaccines. The complaint states that many children have died in the country due to failure to provide timely vaccination, negligence in the medical system and irresponsibility of the concerned authorities.

On Sunday, July 5, 2026, Sirajul Islam, father of 9-month-old Sauda Muskan, who died of measles, filed the application in the court of Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jashita Islam of Dhaka. Plaintiff's lawyer Taslima Jahan Popy said that the court has recorded the plaintiff's statement and has scheduled an order later.

In addition to Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the application also includes Health Advisor Nurjahan Begum, former Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services, Professor Dr. Md. Abu Jafar and former chief advisor's press secretary Shafiqul Alam have been requested to be made accused. The application in the case is still awaiting the court's decision.

The application in the case states that in late February and early March this year, child Sauda Muskan of Shariatpur Sadar fell ill with a high fever. She was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in the first week of March when her condition did not improve despite receiving local treatment. Later, the child was transferred to the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali on March 22, alleging that she did not receive the necessary treatment.

The application further alleges that the child's family was not provided with proper cooperation during the treatment at the hospital. The plaintiff claims that on March 26, the child's mother was asked to put an oxygen cylinder in her hand and put it on the child's mouth. When she could not do so, an attempt was made to give oxygen through a hospital employee. The child died some time later, the application states.

The plaintiff alleges that adequate supply of measles vaccine for children was not ensured on time. At the same time, the hospital authorities also failed to take necessary measures. The petition claims that more than six hundred children have died in the country due to the government's negligence in purchasing and administering vaccines, including the death of Sauda Muskan.

However, these allegations have not yet been proven in the court. The court has awaited the order after hearing the petitioner's statement. Earlier, another case was filed in the Dhaka court against Dr. Yunus and Nurjahan Begum and others on similar charges, which was later dismissed, according to court-related sources.

According to health experts, regular vaccination programs are very important in controlling infectious diseases like measles. A situation analysis on the increase in measles infection in Bangladesh in 2026 said that the lack of vaccination coverage, the increase in the number of vulnerable children and the weakness of the program could be major reasons for the increase in infection.

Whether the case application will be accepted or rejected will depend on the next order of the court in this matter. If the court accepts the application, further legal proceedings can be initiated regarding the related allegations.