The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) has demanded justice over the deaths of more than 400 children during the nationwide measles outbreak, blaming the Yunus government for negligence and failure to ensure timely vaccination.

Speaking at a protest rally held in front of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in Mohakhali, Dhaka, on Tuesday morning, CPB leaders alleged that the crisis worsened due to the government’s failure to collect vaccines and take effective preventive measures on time.

Former CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince said those responsible for the deaths must be brought to justice.
“Those responsible for the deaths of more than 400 children must face trial. People who neglected public health should be brought under the law,” he said.

Prince alleged that despite having sufficient funds in the health sector, the authorities failed to procure the necessary vaccines in time.

“The government was more focused on other issues than protecting people’s lives. Due to negligence by those responsible in the Health Ministry, vaccines from UNICEF were not collected on time,” he added.He further claimed that officials avoided purchasing vaccines from UNICEF because “there was no opportunity for commission,” calling the matter “highly condemnable.”

The rally was chaired by Hasan Hafizur Rahman Sohail, president of the CPB Dhaka Metropolitan North Committee. Speakers at the event criticized the government’s handling of the measles situation and demanded an immediate strengthening of the nationwide vaccination campaign.After the rally, CPB leaders submitted a memorandum to the Director General of the DGHS. In the memorandum, they gave the government an ultimatum until May 19 to take effective measures, warning that they would launch sit-ins and gherao programs if no visible action is taken.