Measles child deaths: RSU demands trial of Dr Yunus, former health adviser

The Revolutionary Student Unity (RSU) has demanded the trial of former interim government chief adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and then health adviser Nurjahan Begum over the deaths of children in the ongoing measles outbreak. The organisation has also called for the outbreak to be declared an 'epidemic' and for comprehensive preventive measures to be taken.

The demand was made at a protest rally organised by the group at the foot of the Raju Sculpture on the Dhaka University campus on Wednesday afternoon, May 6.

Leaders and activists of the organisation alleged at the rally that the failure of the previous administration to control the spread of measles has led to the deaths of a large number of children.

Revolutionary Student Maitree General Secretary Zabir Ahmed Jubel said, "Children have been pushed towards death for the sake of profit. This crime must be severely punished."

He claimed that measles has spread to at least 58 of the country's 64 districts, and no effective measures were taken to control the situation.

"Measles must be declared an epidemic immediately, and urgent preventive measures must be taken to stop its spread. Along with ensuring prompt treatment for the infected, effective initiatives must be undertaken to prevent transmission. Otherwise, a stricter movement will be launched," he added.

Dhaka University unit general secretary Zahidul Islam Riad said at the rally that over three hundred children have already died in hospitals across the country. Despite warnings, the then government did not take adequate steps to procure vaccines. During the tender process, more emphasis was placed on buying at a lower price than on quality, he claimed.

Speakers also criticised Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) leaders for objecting to the establishment of a temporary medical camp for measles on the university's central playground.

The rally was presided over by the organisation's president, Dilip Roy. He stated that the measles crisis is not natural but man-made. Political parties are failing to take clear positions on issues of national importance.

The protesters ended the rally by chanting various slogans demanding immediate effective action and the trial of those responsible.