A roundtable titled "Recent Measles Outbreak and Way Forward" held at Shaheed Abu Sayeed Convention Centre in the capital. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, April 2, 2026 (BSS) - Experts today called for strengthening immunization coverage, enhancing public awareness and ensuring coordinated efforts to tackle the recent measles outbreak in the country.

The call came at a roundtable titled "Recent Measles Outbreak and Way Forward" held at Shaheed Abu Sayeed Convention Centre in the capital.

The event was organized by the Legal and Health Assistance Cell for Oppressed Women and Children and attended by leading physicians, public health experts, policymakers, journalists and representatives of international organizations.

The session was moderated by the organization's central coordinator and BNP Health Affairs Secretary Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam.

Speakers said Bangladesh faces multiple challenges in controlling the outbreak, stressing the need to intensify vaccination drives, improve access to healthcare services and adopt coordinated strategies.

They also highlighted the importance of strengthening field-level surveillance and ensuring rapid response measures to contain the spread.

The experts underscored the need for research to determine whether the outbreak is linked to any new virus mutation. 

They also emphasized using social and mass media to raise awareness among people.

Senior officials of the health sector placed several recommendations to combat the current situation and prevent future outbreaks. 

The meeting decided to submit its key findings and recommendations to the Ministry of Health and the government.

Participants thanked the organizers for the timely initiative and urged continuation of such efforts to address critical public health issues.