Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today told the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) that his government has taken necessary steps to contain the outbreak of measles. “Many of our children have died of measles. However, we are trying to control the entire situation in the days coming ahead,” he said, replying to a supplementary question from opposition lawmaker from Gazipur-4 constituency Salah Uddin Ahmed in the House. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, was in the chair.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Prime Minister described the situation as ‘very unfortunate’, noting it is sorrowful that measles vaccines for children had not been imported for several years during both the past ‘fascist regime’ and the subsequent interim government. Consequently, the measles problem became evident this year.
However, the government moved swiftly to address the situation, receiving support from UNICEF Bangladesh. “UNICEF has helped Bangladesh a lot in this regard. They have quickly sent measles vaccines to us. As a result, we will be able to vaccinate about 2 crore children in the country,” the Prime Minister stated.
The Prime Minister also noted a shortage of measles testing kits, highlighting the government’s efforts to resolve the issue. “A number of kits have already arrived. One kit can be used to conduct three tests. Some kits are currently at airport customs. We are trying to release them soon,” Tarique Rahman added.