Legal Notice Demands Trial of Yunus, Nurjahan Over Vaccine Lapses

Bangla Press Desk:  A group of lawyers on Wednesday staged a human chain in Dhaka demanding the trial of former chief adviser of the interim government Dr Muhammad Yunus and Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum over allegations of negligence in vaccination programmes, including measles.

Around 50 lawyers took part in the programme under the banner of the “General Lawyers’ of Dhaka bar Association” at the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court premises. Most of the participants were reportedly pro–Awami League lawyers.

Speaking at the event, the lawyers alleged that despite warnings from UNICEF, the then government changed the existing vaccination system and introduced an “open tender” procurement method. They claimed that negligence led to the deaths of more than 400 children during the recent measles outbreak, despite repeated requests from UNICEF to ensure vaccine availability.Lawyer Kayes Ahmed Ornob said Nurjahan Begum was appointed Health Adviser despite lacking experience in the health sector. He alleged negligence in multiple vaccination programmes and demanded that those responsible be brought to justice.

Lawyer Sifat Aminul Karim said that after the cancellation of the previous agreement, no effective alternative arrangements were made. “We demand justice from the current government. These children have the right to justice,” he added.

Following the human chain, some lawyers staged a symbolic protest by covering their eyes and mouths with black cloth and holding placards demanding justice.

Lawyer Farzana Yasmin Raki said the deaths of over 400 children due to measles should not be treated as mere negligence but as a criminal offence.

Notably, more than 400 children have died in a recent measles outbreak.