Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated on Sunday, April 5, 2026, that the previous interim government’s failure led to a significant lack of focus on Measles-Rubella (MR) prevention and awareness.

Speaking at the virtual inauguration of an emergency vaccination drive in Cox's Bazar, the Minister emphasized the current administration's goal to eliminate measles-related child mortality by 2026.

The urgent campaign targets 120,000 children across 30 high-risk upazilas, including Maheshkhali and Ramu, where five children have already died and dozens remain hospitalized.

With 185 cases reported in the district since January, health authorities have established dedicated isolation wards at Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital to manage the escalating outbreak and ensure clinical readiness for infected infants.