Procurement lapses blamed for vaccine crisis
A formal complaint has been lodged with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) against former interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, and others concerned, alleging serious irregularities and possible corruption in vaccine procurement.
The complaint was submitted on Monday (April 13) by two lawyers of the Bangladesh Supreme Court — Biplab Kumar Das and Barrister Sanaullah Nure Sagar — in a petition addressed to the ACC Chairman.
In their submission, the petitioners characterised the issue not merely as administrative failure but as “state negligence and premeditated corruption”, expressing concern over reported child deaths linked to a recent measles outbreak.
They stated that the resurgence of measles across the country, with reports suggesting nearly a hundred child fatalities, has caused widespread alarm.
Media reports indicating shortages of measles vaccines and other essential immunisation supplies were described as a matter of grave public concern.
The petition further noted that both citizens and health experts have, in public discourse, raised questions regarding the role of the former interim administration.
It also referenced the current government’s position that shortages of vaccines and syringes stemmed from earlier policy decisions.
According to the complaint, the interim government introduced changes to vaccine procurement procedures without adequate preparation.
Despite an allocated health sector budget of approximately Tk 42,000 crore, it allegedly failed to ensure the timely purchase and distribution of vaccines for measles and other preventable diseases.
As a result, the petition claims, measles infections have increased significantly, with thousands of children reportedly undergoing treatment in hospitals amid concerns over insufficient preventive measures. Measles, a highly contagious disease, is said to be spreading rapidly.
The petitioners further alleged that the failure to procure the required vaccines and syringes on time, along with a lack of transparency in the management of funds, points to possible irregularities.
They cited media reports suggesting procurement-related anomalies within the health sector.
They urged the ACC to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter in the public interest, stating that it is essential to determine whether any corruption or embezzlement occurred in the procurement process and immunisation programme.
The petition calls for an inquiry into the roles of the former Chief Adviser, Health Adviser and other concerned individuals, and requests that appropriate legal action be taken if evidence of wrongdoing is found.
