The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) has demanded the arrest and trial of former interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus and former health adviser Nurjahan Begum over the tragic deaths of more than 300 children from measles and measles-related symptoms across the country.
The demand came at a protest rally organised by the CPB Dhaka Metropolitan North’s Hatirjheel branch at Madhubag Field in Mogbazar on Saturday.
Addressing the rally as chief speaker, CPB Dhaka Metropolitan North President Hasan Hafizur Rahman Sohel expressed intense anger and concern over the abnormal deaths of children.
“This terrible incident occurred because of the extreme negligence of the Yunus government,” Sohel said.
“Although Bangladesh set an example worldwide in its vaccination programme, children are now losing their lives due to the negligence of the Yunus government. And the current government is playing a mysterious silent role,” he added.
Speakers at the rally alleged that there was a lack of adequate ICU support for measles-affected children. They believed that many child deaths could have been avoided if the government had taken timely, planned initiatives.
The speakers further said that while unnecessary issues are discussed in parliament, adequate discussion on this humanitarian disaster has not taken place.
The rally was chaired by CPB Hatirjheel branch leader Mostan Sher Shahadat and conducted by secretary Kollol Banik.
Other speakers included Shyamal Biswas, Jahirul Islam, Harkers Union General Secretary Sekandar Hayat, Murshikul Islam, Harendra Nath Mondal, and student leader Prijom Fakir.
After the rally, a protest march started from Madhubag Field and ended at Mogbazar Wireless Gate. The speakers demanded a proper investigation into the incident and exemplary punishment for those responsible without delay.
