BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Political Adviser to the Prime Minister Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. File Photo

DHAKA, April 7, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Political Adviser to the Prime Minister Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today called for coordinated initiatives involving the government, the Ministry of Health, medical professionals and all public health stakeholders to prevent a potential measles outbreak.

He said that anti-vaccine propaganda, superstition and neglect in the health sector have heightened the risk of the disease spreading, stressing that failure to take timely and effective measures could worsen the situation.

Rizvi made the remarks while addressing the inauguration of a rally organised by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) marking World Health Day 2026. The rally started from the Central Shaheed Minar and ended at the National Press Club.

Highlighting the significance of the day, he said it is important for doctors, nurses and all healthcare workers. Referring to this year's theme, "Science in Healthcare and Protecting Everyone's Life," he emphasised the need to follow scientific principles to ensure proper diagnosis, good health and effective treatment.

He noted that anti-vaccine campaigns and superstitions are contributing factors behind the current measles concerns, adding that such misinformation is not limited to developing nations but also exists in developed countries.

Rizvi said people expect governments to respond swiftly with adequate measures and resources during disease outbreaks or pandemics, underscoring the importance of strengthening public health systems.

He also criticised past shortcomings in the health sector, saying insufficient importance had been given to healthcare over the past 15 years, and called for greater prioritisation of public welfare.

Despite advances in science that have enabled space exploration, he said diseases like measles continue to affect children, stressing the need for vigilance and preventive measures.

Expressing optimism, Rizvi said the country's medical community would play a prompt and effective role in tackling communicable diseases like measles.

Among others, BNP Health Affairs Secretary Dr Rafiqul Islam, Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarfat Ali Sipu, Cultural Affairs Secretary and actor Ashrafuzzaman Ujjal, Co-Organising Secretary Professor Aminul Islam, Assistant Planning Affairs Secretary and physician Sagar Khan, as well as healthcare workers and representatives from nursing institutes, participated in the rally.