Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir today inaugurated the Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccination Campaign 2026 in Sylhet. Photo: PID

SYLHET, April 20, 2026 (BSS) — Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir today inaugurated the Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccination Campaign 2026, cautioning that long-term neglect of the public health sector has exacerbated the risk of infectious diseases in the country.

“The current situation in the health sector could have been largely avoided had effective measures been taken earlier.

 Since taking office, the government has faced successive public health challenges, moving from a dengue outbreak to the current measles infection,” he said.

The Minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the Government Agragami Girls' High School and College in Sylhet, said a press release.

Under the directives of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, he said, the government has launched the vaccination drive simultaneously across 14 locations nationwide. 

The Minister highlighted that the direct participation of the Prime Minister and cabinet members in the campaign underscores the government's firm commitment to public health.

 According to the Minister, 407 patients have received treatment at the Sadar Hospital, with a reported recovery rate of over 99%. 

However, he noted the tragic loss of five lives due to the infection. 

To bolster the local response, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital has established a 10-bed pediatric ICU. 

The Minister expressed optimism that through coordinated efforts, increased public awareness, and the ongoing vaccination programme, the outbreak would soon be brought under control.

The government plans to further strengthen the region’s medical capacity by seeking approval for a 250-bed modern hospital in Sylhet. 

Muktadir emphasized that developing health infrastructure is as critical as building roads and bridges, stating that Sylhet is being given maximum priority to improve its social indices.

Addressing parents and guardians, the Minister stressed the importance of breastfeeding for building childhood immunity and urged everyone to participate actively in the vaccination programme to ensure ‘no child is left vulnerable’.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by several senior officials, including Abdul Qayyum, Administrator of Sylhet City Corporation; Md. Sarwar Alam, District Commissioner; and Professor Dr. Md. Ziaur Rahman, Acting Principal of MAG Osmani Medical College.