Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, political adviser to the prime minister, has called for coordinated efforts from the government, health ministry, physicians, and public health stakeholders to curb the current measles outbreak.
Speaking at the inauguration of a colourful rally organised by the BNP to mark World Health Day 2026 on Tuesday, the party senior joint secretary general warned that the situation could worsen without immediate effective measures.
The rally commenced at the Central Shaheed Minar and concluded at the National Press Club. Highlighting this year’s theme, “Science in healthcare and protected lives for all,” Rizvi emphasised that adhering to science is essential for accurate diagnosis, good health, and effective treatment of measles outbreak.
Rizvi attributed the rising risk of measles to anti-vaccination propaganda, superstitions, and neglect within the health sector. He noted that “anti-vaccine” groups remain active even in the developed world, contributing to the spread of misconceptions and blindness in society.
While modern medicine is a product of science, he stressed that the public expects the government to stand by them with necessary resources during any epidemic.
Critiquing the historical management of health crises, Rizvi recalled that during the coronavirus pandemic, relief supplies like rice and wheat were discovered hidden under the houses of then-ruling chairmen, leading to many deaths.
He remarked that while the current elected government is active and motivated, it must prioritise public interest, as the health sector was neglected for the last 15 years and received insufficient attention even during the interim government.
The senior BNP leader revealed alarming statistics, stating that 38 lives were lost between 12–13 March and April, with seven children dying in the last 24 hours alone. He identified Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Mymensingh as current measles ‘hotspots.’
Questioning why a long-standing disease like measles has not yet been eradicated despite human progress in space exploration, he urged the Health Ministry to take swift action so the public can clearly perceive a people-friendly government.
Rizvi also raised concerns regarding medical research funding, noting that the Medical Research Council receives meagre allocations of only Taka two to five lakh, which is insufficient for significant work.
He added that the 23 percent VAT on journal reviews further escalates research costs and called for increased allocations for science and research.
Despite some programmes being cancelled due to weather conditions, Rizvi praised the organisers for their proper execution of the day’s events. He expressed hope that the patriotic medical community would play a prompt and appropriate role in tackling epidemic-prone diseases like measles.
The event was attended by several high-ranking officials, including BNP Health Affairs Secretary Dr Rafiqul Islam, Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sharafat Ali Sopu, Cultural Affairs Secretary Ashraf Uddin Ahmed Uzzal, Assistant Organising Secretary Professor Aminul Islam, and Assistant Planning Affairs Secretary Dr Sagar Khan, alongside health workers and representatives from nursing institutes.
