A public interest litigation has been filed before the High Court in Bangladesh seeking compensation of Tk 20 crore (approximately USD 1.8 million) for each family of the 352 children reported to have died during the country’s ongoing measles outbreak.
The writ petition was submitted on Sunday by Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Humayun Kabir Pallob, who urged the court to direct the government to provide financial compensation and ensure accountability over the deaths. The Health Secretary and several senior officials concerned with public health administration have been named as respondents.
The legal move comes amid mounting concern over the rapid spread of measles across Bangladesh and a rising child death toll linked to the outbreak.
According to official data cited in the petition, at least 352 children have died over the past 55 days after contracting measles or developing measles-related complications. Government figures reportedly show an average of six child deaths per day during the period, while the number increased sharply to around 10 deaths per day over the last week.
Public health experts have warned that the outbreak remains far from under control, with hospitals continuing to receive growing numbers of infected children. Health officials identified Dhaka Division as the worst-affected region, while Rangpur Division has reported comparatively lower infection rates.
Speaking to local media, Health Services Division Secretary Md Kamruzzaman Chowdhury said the government has launched an investigation into the outbreak, including whether negligence, vaccine shortages, or failures in the healthcare system contributed to the deaths.
Medical experts say disruptions in routine childhood immunization, combined with seasonal factors accelerating viral transmission, may have worsened the crisis. Physicians have urged parents to seek immediate medical attention if children develop symptoms such as fever, rash, cough, or respiratory distress.
Bangladesh’s health authorities have intensified surveillance efforts, particularly in Dhaka and adjoining districts, as concerns grow over the country’s capacity to contain the outbreak and prevent further child fatalities.
The High Court is expected to hear the petition in the coming days.
