Although the measles outbreak in Bangladesh has reached an alarming level, an unusual silence is being observed in the country’s political and social circles. Hospitals across different districts are seeing a growing number of infected children every day. According to doctors, nearly 50,000 children have already been infected with measles, while the death toll has risen to 409. Yet despite such a major humanitarian crisis, there are no strong protests on the streets and no significant public movement.
In hospital corridors, helpless mothers are sitting with the bodies of their children in their arms. The deaths of babies like 9-month-old Akramul from Habiganj or young Saifan from Sylhet have become personal tragedies for their families, but the national response remains largely absent. Many believe the level of concern and outrage that should have emerged simply has not appeared.
Critics say that during the Bangladesh Awami League government, even the illness of a single child from diarrhea would trigger loud protests from certain groups. Campaigns would be launched internationally, and activists would become highly vocal in the name of human rights. According to them, the strong reactions at that time were closely tied to the flow of foreign donations and dollars connected to these issues.
Now the situation is different. Tens of thousands of children are infected, hundreds have died, yet there are no rallies, no major protests, and very little public outrage. Critics argue that as foreign funding has declined, the business of “human rights politics” and crisis-based activism has also become financially weak and inactive.
Analysts believe the crisis has worsened because of weaknesses in the public healthcare system, gaps in vaccination programs, and poor administrative coordination. In rural areas especially, children are facing the highest risks due to limited medical services and lack of public awareness.
Ordinary people are now asking an important question: Should a tragedy involving the deaths of children be viewed only through the lens of political gain and loss? Or should saving children’s lives become a national priority beyond political divisions?
Health experts warn that without urgently strengthening vaccination campaigns, expanding emergency medical support in affected areas, and increasing public awareness, controlling the outbreak will be extremely difficult. They are also calling on all sides to rise above political divisions and prioritize the protection of children’s lives above everything else.
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