Bangladesh probes vaccine delays in measles outbreak

Bangladesh has launched an investigation into allegations that delays in procuring and distributing measles vaccines worsened the country's worst measles outbreak in decades.

Authorities said the outbreak had killed 1,269 children as of Wednesday. The government that succeeded the interim administration in place from August 2024 to February 2026 said it was setting up a three-member commission to examine alleged failures in a nationwide vaccination campaign.

A government statement said the commission would look at allegations of “administrative failures by the interim government that adversely affected public health”. It said the panel would identify the causes of delays in vaccine procurement and distribution, irregularities, administrative failures and those responsible.

A measles immunisation campaign planned for 2024 was disrupted by the mass uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina's government, and political instability also disrupted a follow-up campaign in 2025. Authorities have since launched a mass vaccination drive, but infections have continued to rise.

The commission is also due to recommend steps to prevent a repeat crisis and is expected to submit its findings within 60 working days.