HC writ seeks lodge a case against Yunus, 4 others

A petition has been filed in a Dhaka court to lodge a case against former Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and four others, accusing them of criminal negligence in delaying the import of measles and rubella (MR) vaccines, allegedly resulting in a nationwide outbreak and child deaths.

The complaint was submitted on Monday (June 8) before the Court of Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jashita Islam by Kishoreganj-5 MP Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Iqbal under sections 409, 420, 270, 304 and 34 of the Penal Code.

Other accused in the case include former Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, former Health and Family Welfare Secretary Md. Saidur Rahman, former Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Dr. Syedur Rahman, and former Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Prof. Dr. Abu Zafar.

The petition alleges that disruption in the existing vaccine procurement process through UNICEF and subsequent delays under an open tender system led to a prolonged shortage of MR vaccines in the country.

It further states that UNICEF had issued multiple warnings to the authorities regarding a possible supply disruption and urged uninterrupted procurement, which were not acted upon.

According to the complaint, the shortage contributed to a measles outbreak, with over 75,000 hospital admissions and around 610 child deaths recorded in the cited period, based on official figures.

The petitioner also claimed that attempts to file a case at a local police station were not accepted and was advised to approach the court.

The application sought arrest warrants against the accused and maximum punishment under the relevant sections of law. The court is yet to decide on taking cognizance of the petition.