Photo: BSS

JAHANGIRNAGAR UNIVERSITY, May 5, 2026 (BSS) - Health experts today stressed the need for strengthened, coordinated national preparedness to tackle the recent surge in measles infections and deaths among children in the country.

The call came at a seminar titled "Insights from Recent Measles Outbreak in Bangladesh: Strengthening Scientific Response & National Preparedness," jointly organized by the Bangladesh Society of Microbiologists (BSM) and the Department of Microbiology at Jahangirnagar University, held at the university's Senate Hall.

Keynote speakers included Dr. Firdausi Qadri, Emeritus Scientist of the Infectious Diseases Division at icddr,b, Dr. Khandakar Mahbuba Jamil, virologist and former head of the National Polio-ES and Measles-Rubella Laboratory under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Dr. Sanjoy Kumar Dey, Professor of Neonatology at Bangladesh Medical University.

They discussed epidemiological trends, laboratory diagnosis, molecular surveillance, gaps in vaccination coverage and the growing risks faced by children, while underscoring the importance of effective risk communication and public awareness.

Distinguished guests included Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) of Jahangirnagar University Prof Dr. M. Mahfuzur Rahman, Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences Professor Mohammad Mafruhi Sattar and BSM President Dr. Md. Latiful Bari.

Speakers emphasized the need for integrated efforts among physicians, microbiologists, epidemiologists, laboratory professionals, immunization specialists and policymakers to effectively control measles and other emerging infectious diseases. They also highlighted the importance of linking academic research, clinical services and public health systems with national policy planning.

In their closing remarks, BSM General Secretary Professor Dr. Sangita Ahmed and Chair of the Department of Microbiology at Jahangirnagar University Professor Dr. Nihad Adnan stressed the crucial role of microbiologists in pathogen detection, genomic surveillance, vaccine research, biosafety, antimicrobial resistance monitoring and outbreak investigation.

They said microbiologists played a vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic and remain ready to support the government in addressing the current measles outbreak and future public health emergencies, while also calling for greater institutional inclusion and expanded career opportunities in the healthcare sector.

The seminar also highlighted the importance of strengthening Bangladesh's long-term vaccine security and self-reliance through enhanced capacity in local production, quality control, cold-chain management, storage, distribution, and post-vaccination surveillance, alongside continued collaboration with international partners.

Organizers said ensuring national vaccine capacity is essential to safeguarding future generations, particularly in times of global uncertainty, and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting scientific awareness and evidence-based public health action.

The seminar was sponsored by BRAC Bank Limited, Biotech Concern, Exon Technologies, Nanotech Group and Femina Corporation.