Protest in Rangpur demands trial of Dr Yunus, Nurjahan over measles child deaths

Activists of the Workers' Rights Movement and the Anti-Oppression Women's Forum staged a protest and human chain in Rangpur on Saturday, June 6, demanding the trial of former chief adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and former health adviser Nurjahan Begum over child deaths caused by measles.

The programme was held in front of the Rangpur Press Club at noon, chaired by Workers' Rights Movement president Palash Kanti Nag.

Speakers alleged that due to negligence and irresponsibility of the then interim government, timely supply and administration of measles vaccines were not ensured, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of children. They demanded accountability for those responsible.

The protesters also demanded that a state of emergency be declared in the health sector to prevent the spread of measles, that necessary vaccines be imported from abroad to strengthen the immunisation programme, and that special units be set up at government and private hospitals for measles treatment.

The protesters also criticised the trade agreement recently signed with the United States and demanded its cancellation, arguing that the agreement is contrary to the country's economic and strategic interests.

Leaders from various organisations, including Abdul Jabbar Sarkar, Amin Mustajir, Parveen Akhter and Sultana Akhter Rita Siddiqui, spoke at the rally.