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Published : 13 Apr 2026, 02:17 PM
A Supreme Court lawyer has filed a formal complaint with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) alleging embezzlement and irregularities in the procurement of measles vaccines and syringes.
Biplob Kumar Das submitted the application to the ACC chairman on Sunday, calling for an inquiry into whether chief advisor Muhammad Yunus of the former interim government, the health advisor, and other officials were involved in any malpractice in the supply and distribution of these life-saving medical supplies.
Copies of the complaint have also been sent to the principal secretary to the prime minister, the health services secretary, and the director general of the Directorate General of Health Services.
Newspaper reports have been attached as supporting documents.
Lawyer Biplob Kumar said around 179 child deaths have so far been reported, though the full extent of the situation remains unclear.
He added that the outbreak appears to be approaching “epidemic levels”.
Explaining his concern, he said his own child had contracted measles, requiring urgent hospital visits to manage the condition.
Referring to his family’s experience, he said one of his children has just turned one while another is seven.
The older child received the measles vaccine in time but later fell ill, while the younger child has yet to receive one remaining dose.
In the complaint, Biplob wrote that the spread of measles across the country and the deaths of more than 100 children have left him “deeply distressed and concerned”.
He argued that the state-level shortage of vaccines for measles and other critical diseases, which led to the current outbreak, is a matter of grave public concern.
The petition claims that citizens and health experts have used social and electronic media to hold Yunus and then health advisor Nurjahan Begum responsible for the fatalities.
It also notes that the current administration has attributed the shortage of vaccines and syringes to problems inherited from the previous government.
Biplob alleged that the interim government altered the vaccine procurement process without adequate preparation.
His application suggests that despite a “sufficient” budget for the health sector, officials failed to purchase necessary vaccines and syringes in a timely manner.
Citing different sources, he said thousands more children are fighting for their lives in hospitals due to inadequate preventive measures.
He further alleged that procedural changes, delays in procurement, lack of transparency and improper use of health funds indicate possible corruption and mismanagement.
The application notes that several media reports have surfaced detailing irregularities in the purchase of medical equipment.
The lawyer suggested there is a strong possibility of “massive graft and money laundering” within the health sector during both the previous and interim regimes.
In this context, he urged the ACC to investigate alleged corruption and financial misappropriation in the health sector to protect public health and save children’s lives.
When asked if the vaccine crisis began during the final days of the Awami League's tenure, he responded that he is calling for an exhaustive investigation into all aspects of the crisis.
Neither the ACC nor the health authorities have issued an immediate statement regarding the allegations.
