United News of Bangladesh

Five more people have died from measles and measles-like symptoms in the 24 hours until 8:00am Friday, pushing the death toll to 211 this year. Of the latest fatalities, three were confirmed measles cases, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). During the same period, 127 confirmed measles patients and 1,115 suspected cases were reported across the country. The DGHS said a total of 13,898 suspected patients have so far been hospitalised. Of them, 11,243 have recovered and been discharged. Division-wise data showed Barishal recorded the highest number of suspected measles-related deaths in the last 24 hours with two fatalities, while Barguna district also reported two deaths. The DGHS added that between March 15 and April 17, the total number of confirmed measles deaths stood at 37, while 174 deaths remained classified as suspected ones.

Basic healthcare remains a neglected reality for vulnerable, climate-affected and isolated coastal char communities, speakers said at a press conference in Dhaka on Wednesday, stressing that ensuring healthcare protection for these marginalised populations is now a matter of fundamental justice. They noted that char dwellers are facing a “double crisis”— the impacts of climate change and a severe lack of healthcare services – warning that in such remote areas, where survival is a daily struggle, development will remain merely statistical unless it brings tangible change. “Health for all” cannot remain just a slogan, they said, urging concrete action in this regard. Health cards to be launched by June: Health Minister The speakers emphasised the need to strengthen maternal healthcare services through the establishment of community clinics and safe maternity centres in char areas, alongside modern and regular training for midwives to manage complications effectively.  They also called for introducing boat ambulances, floating clinics and mobile medical teams to ensure accessibility in remote regions, with priority given to infrastructure, skilled human resources and adequate medical supplies. The press conference titled “Basic Healthcare: A Neglected Reality in Char Areas” was jointly organised by COAST Foundation, EquityBD and the BDCSO Process at the National Press Club with M Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director of COAST Foundation and Chief Moderator of EquityBD, in the chair. Among others, Mostafa Kamal Akand, Coordinator of BDCSO Process, and Syed Ashraf Hossain of Society for Development Initiatives spoke, while MA Hasan of COAST Foundation presented the keynote paper. Rezaul Karim said nearly 10 million people living in char areas are facing a dual crisis driven by climate change and limited access to healthcare.  He noted that disrupted communication during disasters leaves these communities isolated with little to no access to medical services, while inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of skilled personnel and insufficient medical equipment deprive them of even basic care. Rezaul Karim stressed that healthcare is a fundamental right, not a luxury, and called for expanding telemedicine services through 4G connectivity in char areas to facilitate access to MBBS doctors.  Mostafa Kamal called for allocating at least 40% of the upcoming budget to primary healthcare and expanding community clinics, union health centres and mobile medical teams in char regions. MA Hasan proposed creating a separate budget line titled “Char Health Sector” to ensure targeted allocation for these communities and eliminate discriminatory approaches.

Seven more patients died with measles and measles-like symptoms in 24 hours till 8 am on Monday morning, taking the total death toll to 156, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Among the deceased, two were confirmed measles patients, it said. Besides, 1,371 suspected measles cases were reported during the period and 729 patients were admitted to different hospitals. So far, a total of 10,954 suspected patients have been hospitalised. 10 more people die with measles, symptoms in 24 hours: DGHS Among them, 8,369 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 four. Besides, Dhaka district also accounted for the highest district-level death toll during the period, with four deaths. The DGHS said the total number of confirmed measles deaths between March 15 and April 13 stood at 30.

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.        

Dhaka, Apr 12 (UNB) – 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. State Minister for Road Transport and Highways Division and Railways Habibur Rashid Habib was present as a special guest at the event with DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam in the chair. 2 more die of measles in 24 hours

The passage of the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage Control (Amendment) Bill 2026 in Parliament, which removes the provision banning e-cigarettes, vapes and nicotine pouches, has sparked serious concern among public health experts and anti-tobacco organisations. The amendment effectively allows these emerging tobacco products to enter the market without what experts describe as adequate regulatory safeguards, raising fears about increased health risks, particularly among young people. Public health advocates say the decision contradicts a directive issued by the Appellate Division on March 1, 2016 (Civil Appeal No. 204–205/2001), which instructed the government to take steps to reduce tobacco use within a reasonable timeframe. They also noted that Bangladesh had previously been recognised for its strong stance on tobacco control following the enactment of landmark legislation in 2005. According to them, the removal of the e-cigarette ban represents a setback to those efforts and undermines commitments to public health protection. The Health and Family Welfare Minister have already indicated that revenue considerations played a role in the policy shift. However, experts argue that such an approach risks creating what they term an “economy of disease,” pointing out that the annual economic cost of tobacco-related harm in Bangladesh—estimated at BDT 87,500 crore—far exceeds the revenue generated from the sector. Citing global evidence, anti-tobacco groups said a 2023 study by the Institute for Global Tobacco Control found that 132 countries have adopted regulations or bans on e-cigarettes, including 46 that have imposed complete bans. They further warned that unregulated e-cigarette products could facilitate illicit drug use, with reports indicating that harmful substances are sometimes mixed into vape liquids, increasing risks of addiction and criminal activity. Concerns were also raised over the approval given to a multinational tobacco company to produce nicotine pouches in Bangladesh with an investment of BDT 61 crore. Public health advocates said the move runs counter to global trends, where many countries are tightening restrictions on such products. In a joint statement on Saturday, several anti-tobacco and public health organisations urged the Prime Minister to take immediate steps to reinstate the ban on emerging tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, and to reconsider the approval for local production of these items. The statement was issued by a coalition of organisations including Bangladesh Anti-Tobacco Alliance (BATA), Bangladesh Tobacco Control Advocates (BTCA), Bangladesh Network for Tobacco Tax Policy (BNTTP), Bangladesh Tobacco Control Research Network (BTCRN), Bangladesh Cancer Society and others.

Two people have died from measles or suspected measles infection in the last 24 hours, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). According to a PID handout, from Friday 8am to Saturday 8am, a total of 888 suspected measles patients were recorded across the country. During the same time, 80 confirmed measles patients were admitted to hospitals. 168 measles patients hospitalised in 24 hours So far, the total number of suspected measles patients admitted to hospitals has reached 9,463, the DGHS said. Among them, 7,022 patients have recovered and left hospitals. Since March 15, a total of 145 suspected measles-related deaths have been reported, according to the health authority. The DGHS statement said the data covers suspected and confirmed measles cases reported from health facilities nationwide.

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.

Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus has extended his appreciation to the team behind the digital healthcare platform “Shukhee” for their efforts in delivering quality, technology-driven medical services to people across Bangladesh, particularly those at the bottom of the economic pyramid. He visited the Grameen HealthTech office on Wednesday and observed the operations of “Shukhee,” an innovative e-health platform developed by @Grameen HealthTech Limited (GHL).  The platform is working to make healthcare more accessible and convenient by bridging the gap between patients and doctors through technology, said Yunus Centre on Thursday. During the visit, Professor Yunus engaged with employees across various departments and observed the organization’s ongoing operations. Emphasising inclusive healthcare, Professor Yunus said, “We are prioritising digital healthcare so that people in Bangladesh's remote areas can consult doctors online.” “Many remote and hilly regions of Bangladesh still face a shortage of medical professionals. Digital healthcare can help overcome these challenges by reaching people in hard-to-access areas,” he said. He also emphasized that digitally stored health records can prevent the loss of prescriptions and reports, while making follow-up care more efficient. Highlighting maternal healthcare, he added that digital services are especially crucial for pregnant women, enabling them to consult doctors from home. Professor Yunus also said Bangladeshi expatriates will benefit from digital health services. “Many hesitate to consult doctors abroad due to language barriers. Platforms like ‘Shukhee’ can connect them with Bangladeshi doctors online,” he said. Senior management of Grameen HealthTech presented their strategic roadmap, sharing future plans focused on scaling digital healthcare access, strengthening last-mile connectivity, and expanding community-based healthcare delivery models across the country. Professor Yunus showed keen interest in these initiatives and acknowledged their alignment with his long-standing vision for inclusive and equitable systems. By building a digitally enabled, standards-driven platform—incorporating ICD-11, HL7, and FHIR—and ensuring global compliance (such as GDPR), Shukhee is creating a foundation for inclusive and interoperable healthcare. Officials also shared that, through the establishment of over 10,000 Shukhee Sheba Kendras and the development of Shukhee Grams, they are not just building infrastructure but enabling access where it is needed most. Within just 15 months, the platform has already served over 100,000 patients, most of whom come from low-income communities. Professor Yunus expressed satisfaction with the way Shukhee, Grameen HealthTech’s digital healthcare platform, is operating and placed special emphasis on strengthening grassroots-level initiatives to ensure inclusive healthcare delivery.

Journalists have called for setting a minimum retail price of Tk 100 for a 10-stick packet of cigarette by merging the low and medium tiers, in order to protect public health and prevent tobacco use among youth. They also proposed imposing a specific tax of BDT 4 per pack across all tiers. The demands were raised at a workshop titled “Tobacco Tax Increase in the FY 2026–27 Budget: Role of Journalists in Protecting Public Health”, organized by the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh on Thursday. The keynote paper was presented by Dr. Shafiun Nahin Shimul of the Health Economics Institute at the University of Dhaka. Distinguished guests included Sheikh Momina Moni, Program Director of the National Tobacco Control Cell and Additional Secretary (World Health Wing); Md. Mostafizur Rahman, former Chairman of Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC); and Professor Dr. Sohel Reza Choudhury from the Department of Epidemiology and Research at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute. The keynote paper highlighted that Bangladesh has the highest tobacco use prevalence in South Asia at 35.3% (GATS 2017), with nearly 200,000 premature deaths annually due to tobacco-related diseases. In 2024, the total economic cost of tobacco use and production—including health and environmental damage, amounted to approximately BDT 870 billion, which is more than double the revenue generated from the sector (around BDT 400 billion). The paper noted that the current multi-tiered tobacco tax structure is complex and ineffective in discouraging consumption. The availability of low- and mid-tier cigarettes allows users to switch between price categories, sustaining tobacco use—particularly among young people. To address this, the following tax reform measures were proposed: Merge the low and medium tiers and set the minimum price of a 10-stick pack at BDT 100; Set prices at BDT 150 for high-tier and BDT 200 for premium-tier cigarettes and introduce a uniform specific tax of BDT 4 per pack across all tiers. Dr. Shafiun Nahin stated, “The current tax structure is not effective, as smokers can easily switch to cheaper brands. Increasing prices by merging lower tiers would reduce tobacco use, discourage initiation among youth, and increase government revenue.” Participating journalists emphasized the need for a more proactive role of the media in advancing public health policies such as tobacco taxation. They stressed that evidence-based reporting and investigative journalism can highlight the health risks and economic burden of tobacco, thereby influencing policymakers during the national budget process. Sheikh Momina Moni, Program Director of the National Tobacco Control Cell, stated that the government remains committed to achieving its targets under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global action plans on non-communicable diseases. “Increasing taxes on tobacco products is a cost-effective and impactful measure to reduce consumption and protect public health,” she said. In his closing remarks, Professor Sohel Reza Choudhury noted that increasing tobacco taxes is not only a revenue measure but also a critical investment in protecting future generations. He added that the proposed reforms could encourage nearly 500,000 adults to quit smoking and prevent approximately 370,000 premature deaths in the long term. At the same time, government revenue from tobacco could rise to over BDT 850 billion—an increase of about BDT 440 billion. At the workshop, Dr. Aruna Sarkar, Coordinator of the Tobacco Control Program at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute, presented a paper titled “Tobacco Use and the Risk of Non-Communicable Diseases.” The session was opened with remarks by Proteek Ejaz, President of the Bangladesh Health Reporters Forum. Journalists from various media outlets participated in the event.