Inquiry Commission Formed to Find Responsibility for Measles Vaccine Delays, Headed by Former Justice Mamnun Rahman

The government has formed an inquiry commission to determine responsibility for the adverse impact on public health caused by delays, irregularities and administrative failures in the purchase and distribution of measles vaccines during the interim government.

The Cabinet Division issued a gazette notification on Wednesday forming the commission with former High Court Division Justice Mamnun Rahman as its chair. The commission has been asked to submit its report to the government within 60 working days.

So far, 1,269 people have died in the country with measles and measles symptoms. Of them, 105 died of measles and 1,164 died with measles symptoms. Doctors have said children are dying of measles because they were not given the measles vaccine on time.

Professor Dr. Moudud Hossain Alamgir, President of the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS), and A N M Moinul Islam, Additional Secretary of the Health Services Division, have been made members of the inquiry commission.

The notification said the commission was formed to determine responsibility for the period from August 8, 2024 to February 17, 2026 of the interim government, over allegations of adverse impact on public health due to delays, irregularities and administrative failures in measles vaccine purchase and distribution.

The commission has been asked to identify the causes and responsibility for the delays, irregularities and administrative failures in measles vaccine purchase and distribution. It has also been asked to make recommendations on measures to prevent such unwanted incidents in the future, as well as any other relevant recommendations it considers appropriate.

The notification said that, on matters related to the inquiry, the commission will be able to visit any place in Bangladesh and summon and question any person before the commission.

The notification said the Health Services Division will provide the commission with all support including secretarial assistance, bear the commission's expenses, and assign the necessary number of people working in the Health Services Division or institutions under it to assist the commission.