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as the probe is ongoing.

“Have confidence in us. We are not against anyone. We want the investigation to reveal why we lost these children, what caused it, where our problems were, and whether there was any negligence on our part. It is to determine the responsibilities of our officials.”

Asked about punishment for those responsible, he said, “The investigation is underway. It is a responsibility of the state. Every incident should be investigated. People have the right to know.”

The incumbent government is a democratic and accountable government and it is ready to be accountable to the people, he said.

The report will be made public upon completion of the probe, Quamruzzaman said at the event organised by the Bangladesh Health Reporters Forum at Bangladesh Medical University.

The development comes as the country recorded nine more deaths from measles and measles-like symptoms in the 24 hours to 8:00am yesterday, taking the total number of confirmed and suspected measles deaths to 352.

Of the nine, three are confirmed measles deaths while six are suspected cases, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). As of yesterday, total confirmed deaths rose to 61 and suspected deaths to 291.

As the number of measles cases and child deaths continues to rise, health experts are blaming immunisation gaps caused by low vaccination coverage and vaccine shortages for the outbreak.

Many attributed the situation to the interim government’s mishandling of the vaccination programme, alleging that its attempt to change the procurement method and funding source caused delays in vaccine procurement, leading to shortages and eventual stockouts.

Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the chief adviser on health, refuted the allegations, saying the ministry had provided all necessary approvals and policy support for vaccine procurement on time and in accordance with established procedures.

Several organisations and at least two speakers at yesterday’s roundtable have demanded an investigation into the matter and punishment for those responsible.

The health department should develop a nationwide protocol for treating measles patients, as many children were being brought to their hospital after being “severely mismanaged”, said Mirza Md Ziaul Islam, head of Paediatric Infectious Diseases at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute.

“At one stage, they are de-shouldering their responsibility, increasing deaths and putting pressure on us.”

If the doctors provide proper treatment at peripheral-level hospitals across the country, the number of patients coming to Dhaka would decrease.

Be-Nazir Ahmed, a public health expert and former director of disease control at the health directorate, termed the situation a pandemic.

“It is a large-scale pandemic that has spread across all districts. It would be easier to control if the government acknowledges it.”

He recommended for auditing the measles deaths for future preparation and suggested giving financial assistance to the family of the measles deaths.

Measles-related deaths may continue for another month, said Mushtuq Husain, a public health expert, while urging the government to take immediate steps to minimise the toll.

He suggested establishing community isolation centres for patients in urban slums to help reduce deaths.

Pravath Chandra Biswas, director general of DGHS, said they will carry out a death review if the expert panel recommends.

They also asked the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research carry out investigation into the origin and related issues of the outbreak.