FROM PAGE 12

other facilities, measles detection systems have been shut down.

As a result, samples are being sent from different institutes and hospitals to the National Polio and Rubella Laboratory at the Public Health Centre in Dhaka. This means patients must wait for diagnosis even after vaccines are available.

In reply, the prime minister said all political parties -- in and outside parliament -- worked together to remove an autocratic regime from the country.

“The sad reality is what happened during that autocratic period. Even more unfortunate is that the interim government we supported, hoping it would ensure a fair and neutral election, failed in a crucial responsibility. During its tenure, measles vaccines for children were not imported,” he said.

“Naturally, when this crisis emerged, we had to act quickly,” he said, adding that Unicef provided support by sending measles vaccines on an urgent basis.

“As a result, we were able to vaccinate nearly two crore children.

“Many kits have already arrived. One kit can be used to test three children. Some kits are stuck at customs at the Dhaka airport, and we are taking steps to release them quickly,” Tarique added.

“Tragically, many children have already lost their lives. But going forward, the government is making every effort to manage this situation and has taken necessary measures,” the prime minister said.