Dr Yunus has been named in a petition concerning alleged irregularities in vaccine procurement

An application has been filed with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) calling for an investigation into alleged irregularities and corruption in the procurement of measles and other vaccines during the tenure of the former interim government. The petition names then Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, and other relevant officials.

On Monday (13 April), Supreme Court lawyers Biplob Kumar Das and Barrister Sanaullah Noor-e-Sagar submitted the application to the ACC chairman, urging a comprehensive inquiry and appropriate legal action if any wrongdoing is established.

In their submission, the lawyers voiced concern over child deaths linked to measles, noting that reports of nearly a hundred fatalities across the country have caused deep alarm among citizens and members of the legal community.

They also pointed to media reports highlighting shortages of measles and other essential vaccines in government immunisation programmes, which they say have contributed to a surge in infections and child deaths, describing the situation as deeply concerning.

The application further states that some citizens and health experts, through social and electronic media, have blamed former Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum for the deaths resulting from the outbreak.

It adds that the current government has attributed shortages of measles vaccines and syringes in the Health Ministry to issues inherited from the previous administration. According to the petition, the interim government had altered the vaccine procurement system without sufficient preparation.

Despite a significant health sector allocation—reportedly around Tk 42,000 crore—the authorities allegedly failed to ensure timely procurement of vaccines and effective immunisation programmes. As a result, the measles outbreak has intensified, with reports suggesting over a hundred child deaths and thousands more receiving treatment due to inadequate preventive measures.

Describing measles as a highly contagious disease spreading rapidly nationwide, the application alleges that delays in procuring vaccines and syringes, the introduction of a new procurement system, and a lack of transparency—despite adequate funding—point to possible irregularities and corruption. Media reports have also raised concerns about procurement-related issues in the health sector.

The petitioners argue that there may have been large-scale corruption and mismanagement in the health sector under the former interim government. They stress that, in the public interest and to safeguard children’s health, the ACC should investigate the matter.

They have therefore requested the commission to determine whether any irregularities or corruption occurred in vaccine procurement and immunisation efforts during the tenure of the interim government’s Chief Adviser and Health Adviser, and to take necessary action based on its findings.