United News of Bangladesh

The country on Monday recorded 17 deaths from measles and similar symptoms, the highest single-day toll since the outbreak of the highly contagious but preventable disease in March this year. Of the new deaths recorded in the 24 hours till 8:00am on Monday, two were confirmed as measles-related, while the remaining 15 were classified as suspected, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of the suspected deaths, highest 10 were recorded in Dhaka district. With this, the total number of confirmed deaths from measles has risen to 52 and suspected deaths to 259 since March 15. According to DGHS data, a total of 1,302 suspected measles cases were recorded in the past 24 hours. Since March 15, the total number of suspected cases has reached 41,793. Over 81% children vaccinated against measles: Health Minister During this period, 154 new confirmed measles cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 5,467. Since March 15, a total of 28,832 suspected measles patients have been hospitalised, while 25,151 of them have recovered.

Ten children died from measles and symptoms consistent with the highly contagious but preventable disease in the country in 24 hours till 8:00am on Sunday, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of the new deaths, one was confirmed as measles-related, while the remaining nine were classified as suspected. Of the suspected deaths, highest four were recorded in Dhaka. With this, the total number of confirmed deaths from measles has risen to 50 and suspected deaths to 244 since March 15. According to DGHS data, a total of 1,166 suspected measles cases were recorded in the past 24 hours. Since March 15, the total number of suspected cases has reached 40,491. During this period, 95 new confirmed measles cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 5,313. Since March 15, a total of 27,816 suspected measles patients have been hospitalised, while 24,090 of them have recovered.

An eight-month-old boy died Sunday after battling measles, as the extent of the outbreak in Bangladesh this year kept growing. Irfan Ahmed, son of Ishtiak Ahmed from the Noorpur area of Kushtia, died at 2pm on Sunday while undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute after a 16-day illness. According to his family, Irfan was first treated at Kushtia Medical College Hospital for seven days before being taken to Dhaka. He was then admitted to the DNCC Hospital, where he received treatment for five days, before being transferred to the Shishu Hospital for more advanced treatment. He was admitted to the ICU last Thursday, but doctors were unable to save him. Meanwhile, Bangladesh recorded eight deaths from measles or measles-like symptoms in the 24 hours leading up to 8:00 am on Sunday.

Five more children have died of measles and measles-like symptoms in 24 hours until 8:00am Thursday. Of the latest fatalities, one was confirmed measles death, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). During the same period, 125 confirmed measles cases and 1,170 suspected cases were reported across the country. The DGHS said a total of 18,845 suspected patients have so far been hospitalised. Of them, 15, 728 have been recovered. Between March 15 and April 23, a total of 39 measles deaths were confirmed while another 194 deaths were recorded as suspected cases.  

Ten more patients died with measles and symptoms of the disease in 24 hours till 8 am on Sunday morning, taking the total death toll to 151, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Among the deceased, four were confirmed measles patients, it said. During this period, 1,268 suspected measles cases were reported during the period. Besides, 762 patients were admitted to different hospitals. So far, a total of 10,225 suspected patients have been hospitalised. Among them, 7,656 patients have recovered and discharged from the hospitals, DGHS said. In 24-hour period, Dhaka division recorded the highest number of suspected measles deaths with five. Besides, Dhaka district also accounted for the highest district-level death toll during the period, with five deaths. The DGHS said the total number of confirmed measles deaths between March 15 and April 12 stood at 28. The month-long Emergency Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign 2026 was launched in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) areas on Sunday, amid growing concerns over the spread of preventable infectious diseases. Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain inaugurated the campaign at a function at the Nagar Bhaban auditorium in the morning. Under the campaign, a total of 402,456 children in DSCC areas have been targeted for vaccination. To achieve the target, 540 vaccination centres have been set up across the city, including 90 permanent and 450 temporary ones. Children aged 6 to 59 months will receive vaccines daily from 9:00am to 4:00pm. The month-long campaign will continue until May 11.        

A total of 168 measles patients were admitted to hospitals across the country in the last 24 hours, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The DGHS said in a press release that between 8:00am Thursday and 8:00am Friday, 1,177 suspected measles cases were reported nationwide during the period. It added that so far 8,910 suspected measles patients have been hospitalised, while 6,609 have recovered and left hospitals. No deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. However, the DGHS said that since March 15, a total of 144 suspected measles-related deaths have been recorded. The health authorities continue to monitor the situation, according to the statement.

A physician of Mymensingh Medical College (MMC) has been suspended for misbehaving with the Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Professor Dr. Md Abu Jafor on Saturday afternoon (December 06, 2025). Dr. Dhandeb Barman, who was in-charge of the Casualty Department, has been asked to show cause for his rude behavior. A video of the incident went viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism from various quarters. Earlier in the morning, the DGHS DG visited Mymensingh Medical College Hospital to attend a seminar on the recent progress and challenges in treating bladder and reproductive system diseases in children. Read more: Naogaon residents battle dengue surge as urban services falter Before the seminar, Prof Jafor inspected different sections of the hospital. During his visit to the emergency department, he raised concerns over patient care, management and staff presence. Unhappy with the remarks, Casualty In-Charge Dr. Barman reacted arrogantly, referring to manpower shortages and workload. As the DG expressed displeasure, an argument ensued between the two. Hospital Director Brigadier General Md Golam Ferdous, Assistant Director (Administration) Dr. Mohammad Main Uddin Khan, and other administrative officials and doctors were present during the incident. Assistant Director (Administration) Dr. Mohammad Main Uddin Khan said Dr. Barman had a heated conversation with the DG during the inspection over the quality of services. Read more: Sylhet residents endure relentless mosquito invasion amid dengue surge “Dr. Barman was immediately relieved of his duties. Further action will be taken following departmental procedures,” Dr. Main Uddin said.

Residents across Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) are struggling with an unrelenting mosquito infestation, facing bites day and night with little respite even inside their homes. The worsening situation has reignited concerns over a potential spike in dengue cases during the winter months. Despite SCC spending crores of taka every year on mosquito-control programmes, residents say the efforts have produced no visible improvement, prompting serious questions about the effectiveness of the city authority. According to SCC data, Tk 2.26 crore was allocated for mosquito eradication in the fiscal year 2025–26 — the same amount spent in the previous fiscal year. Read more: Naogaon residents battle dengue surge as urban services falter The funds were used to purchase 4,000 litres of larvicide (Temephos 50 EC) and 25,000 litres of adulticide (Malathion 57 EC) from the Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory. Yet residents insist the services remain grossly inadequate. Many complain that fogging machines appear on the streets only occasionally — sometimes just once or twice a year — leaving several neighbourhoods completely untouched.  The organisation does not have a permanent mosquito-control workforce and instead relies on daily wage earners hired seasonally.  While officials maintain that 30–40 workers are deployed regularly, citizens argue that the efforts make little difference. As the mosquito menace intensifies, dengue infections are also creeping up in Sylhet.  Two people have died of dengue this year, and new cases are being reported every day.  Although SCC claims most of the infected patients are from outside the city, anxiety among residents is rising. Young adults hit hard as Bangladesh logs 593 dengue cases, 3 deaths At the Central Shaheed Minar area, college student Sumon Shawon said even standing outdoors in the evening has become unbearable. “We came here for a chat but within minutes the mosquitoes swarmed us. It’s impossible to sit or talk,” he said, calling for urgent larvicide treatment of drains and stagnant water. Read more: Bangladesh sees October as worst month for dengue deaths Apu, a resident of ward No-17, echoed the frustration, saying the situation is fuelling widespread fear. “There’s fever and cold everywhere. We can’t even tell which is dengue and which is normal flu. Mosquito bites are leaving rashes and allergies, causing more illness,” he said. SCC’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Md Zahidul Islam, admitted the crisis in manpower.  He said around 45 mosquito-control workers and seven supervisors are engaged daily, but the number falls far short of requirements. Ideally, each ward should have four to five workers and a supervisor.  With 42 wards under its jurisdiction, SCC would need more than 200 staff — a capacity the organisation cannot afford due to financial constraints. He said although SCC has recommended permanent recruitment since 2021, various complications have stalled progress. Dr Zahidul pointed out that instead of the monthly insecticide treatments recommended for effective control, the city manages to spray only two to three times a year, resulting in minimal, short-lived benefits. Emphasising the role of public awareness, he said complete mosquito control is impossible without active citizen participation. “If people cooperate, even one or two planned operations a year would be enough. Otherwise, the large amount spent on insecticides will simply go to waste,” he warned. As of 4 December this year, Bangladesh has recorded 394 deaths from dengue nationwide.  During the same period, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) registered 96,627 dengue-affected cases. Read more: Barguna battles relentless dengue surge even in winter

In Naogaon municipality, the relentless rise of dengue cases is exposing a deeper public health crisis, as residents confront swarms of mosquitoes amid longstanding urban sanitation failures. For weeks, communities across the town have battled insects invading homes, schools, businesses and offices—pestering residents even in daylight hours. Coils, sprays and smoke have become everyday essentials, yet the relentless buzzing and painful bites continue. Locals said what was once a seasonal nuisance has transformed into a source of fear, frustration and growing anger at local authorities. Read more: Young adults hit hard as Bangladesh logs 593 dengue cases, 3 deaths A Town on Edge Naogaon Municipality, home to over 268,000 people across nine wards, is facing what locals describe as a preventable mosquito explosion. Open heaps of uncollected garbage, uncovered and clogged drains, and stagnant water turning neighbourhoods into breeding grounds have compounded the crisis. “We close our doors and windows before evening, but it’s useless. Mosquitoes fly over burning coils. Their bites cause swelling and a burning sensation. I spend at least Tk 10 a day on coils, but if this continues, dengue is unavoidable,” said Shamim Ahmed, a resident of Masterpara. Students are among the hardest hit. “Studying has become nearly impossible. I have to sit inside a mosquito net with a coil burning. This is no way to study,” said Arif Hossain from the Degree Mor area. Tax Increasing, Services Declining Residents complain that despite yearly hikes in municipal taxes, improvements in mosquito-control efforts are barely visible. Many allege that fogging and spraying target administrative or high-profile areas, leaving densely populated neighbourhoods neglected. “There’s a municipal waste dump near my house. Mosquito-control activities here are rare. We pay higher taxes every year, but receive no proper services,” said Asfaq Uddin of Komaigari. Read more: Best Foods to Increase Platelets in Dengue Fever Health Risks Growing According to the Naogaon Civil Surgeon’s Office, 56 new dengue cases were reported as of November 23. October saw 120 cases and September 116, bringing the district’s total infections this year to 321. At Naogaon 250-bed General Hospital, 120 dengue patients were treated over the last three months. “No deaths have occurred so far, and we are providing adequate treatment,” said hospital statistician Dilruba Sultana. Nationwide, the situation remains concerning. The DGHS reported two more dengue deaths on Monday, pushing the national toll to 366. With 705 new cases on the same day, the total infections reached 90,969 this year. Local Authorities Admit Limitations Naogaon Municipality Engineer Sajjad Hossain acknowledged the challenges, noting that the municipality has only three fogging machines and three hand-spray units. “For the past two years, we haven’t received dedicated funds for mosquito control. We are running operations using municipal revenue and prioritising hand spraying, as it destroys larvae more effectively,” he said. Read more: 8 more dead, 778 hospitalised as Bangladesh fails to curb dengue

Even as winter sets in, the coastal district of Barguna remains gripped by dengue, with new infections being reported daily and the death toll continuing to rise. As of November 18, the district has recorded at least 15 dengue deaths, while more than 9,000 people have been affected this year.  According to data shared on Tuesday by the district civil surgeon’s office, 117 dengue patients are currently receiving treatment at the Sadar and upazila hospitals across Barguna. Within the past 24 hours alone, 21 new patients were admitted to the 250-bed Barguna General Hospital, which is now treating 60 dengue patients.  During the same period, the upazila health complexes saw 18 fresh admissions—three in Amtali, two in Bamna, four in Betagi and nine in Patharghata.  A total of 67 patients are currently under treatment at these facilities. Official records show that 9,029 dengue patients have been treated in Barguna this year, of whom 8,927 have recovered and returned home.  Barguna District Hospital treated 7,044 of these cases, while 1,985 patients received treatment at upazila-level health complexes. DSCC Administrator visits dengue control activities at Green Road, Dhanmondi Patharghata ranks second in infection numbers after Barguna Sadar, having treated 910 patients so far. The upazila has reported two hospital deaths. Government data confirm 15 dengue-related deaths within the district—12 at Barguna General Hospital, one in Amtali and two in Patharghata. However, an additional 49 residents of Barguna died while undergoing treatment outside the district, pushing the unofficial death toll to around 64. Barguna Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammad Abul Fattah noted that the district had been declared a dengue ‘hotspot’ as early as March. ‘Through multiple cleanup drives, coordinated efforts by the local administration, and the relentless work of health workers, we were able to keep the situation under control.  Keeping deaths at 15 despite such a large patient count was a major challenge,’ he said. While dengue cannot be fully eradicated, raising public awareness, keeping surroundings clean and eliminating mosquito breeding sites could significantly reduce future risks, he said.  Meanwhile, Bangladesh recorded four more dengue deaths in the 24 hours till Tuesday morning, raising the nationwide fatality count to 343 this year. During the same period, 920 new patients were hospitalised, bringing the total number of infections to 86,924, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Health Ministry issues dengue awareness alert amid rising cases DGHS data show that the new cases were reported as follows: 146 in Barishal Division (outside city corporation areas), 116 in Chattogram Division (outside CC), 147 in Dhaka Division (outside CC), 211 in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), 151 in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), 72 in Khulna Division (outside CC), 65 in Mymensingh Division (outside CC), two in Rangpur Division (outside CC) and 10 in Sylhet Division (outside CC). Last year, dengue claimed 575 lives. In 2023, the country experienced its deadliest year on record, with 1,705 dengue deaths. The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 318,749 recoveries that year.