Jubo Union demands arrest of Dr Yunus, Nurjahan over measles child deaths

Bangladesh Jubo Union has staged a protest rally demanding the arrest of former interim government chief adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and former health adviser Nurjahan Begum, labeling them child murder.

The rally was held at Paltan intersection in the capital on Saturday, May 16.

Banners and festoons inscribed with various slogans, including "Hang the murderers of children", "Anti-state conspiracy will not be tolerated", "Bloodshot eyes will see red" and "We want trial of Dr Yunus, Nurjahan", were seen at the rally.

Jubo Union central president Khan Asaduzzaman Masum presided over the rally, while central organising secretary Shahin Bhuiyan conducted it.

Speakers at the rally said the measles situation has reached an alarming level in the country. The government must bear the cost of treatment for affected children.

They alleged that regular vaccination programmes had stopped or weakened, leading to the spread of measles. They demanded the arrest and trial of Dr Yunus, Nurjahan Begum and others responsible.

The speakers claimed the current situation is the result of planned mismanagement. They also said that while measles has become a national health disaster, parliament remains silent. The government must immediately arrange special treatment for affected children at government expense.

The protesters demanded the withdrawal of the Trade and Investment Cooperation Agreement signed with the United States, as well as measures to ban the export of cheap labour.

The demonstrators also called for the cancellation of the paid leave policy for government officials who violate discipline and the withdrawal of the proposed export of cheap labour. They demanded the withdrawal of the TICA agreement, the cancellation of the paid leave policy, and an end to labour export.

They also demanded the cancellation of the paid leave policy for violating officials, an end to exporting cheap labour, and the establishment of a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural Bangladesh.