No measles vaccines imported during interim govt's tenure: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has blamed the interim government for the measles outbreak and vaccine crisis in the country. He told parliament that measles vaccines for children were not imported from abroad during the previous government's tenure, which is deeply regrettable.

The prime minister disclosed this information while responding to a question from Salahuddin, member of parliament for the Gazipur-4 constituency, in the Jatiya Sangsad session on Wednesday, April 22.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said there is also a shortage of measles testing kits. However, some kits have already arrived, and measures are being taken to quickly release the kits currently held up at customs.

He further said, "It is regrettable that during the tenure of the interim government we had supported to hold a fair and neutral election in the country, measles vaccines for children were not imported for several years. Naturally, when this problem arose, UNICEF helped Bangladesh significantly. They sent vaccines quickly. We will vaccinate nearly two crore children against measles."

He also mentioned in parliament the shortage of testing kits. He said the government is working on this matter as well, noting that many kits have already arrived. He added that some kits are currently at Dhaka customs and the airport, and arrangements are being made to release them quickly.