High Court Issues Rule Seeking Compensation for Child Death Due to Measles Vaccine Shortage
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The High Court on Tuesday issued a rule asking authorities to explain why they should not be directed to pay 10 million taka in compensation to the family of a child who died from measles. The bench, comprising Justice Razik-Al-Jalil and Justice Debashish Roy Chowdhury, issued the order following a preliminary hearing on a writ petition filed by the child’s father.
The court has ordered the Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, the Secretary of the Health Services Division, the Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services, the Secretary of Social Welfare, the Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka, and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to respond to the rule within four weeks. The petitioner’s lawyer, Advocate Md. Jewel Azad, confirmed the court’s directive.
The writ petition was filed on July 5 by the child’s father, Md. Shakil, alleging negligence in the procurement, storage, distribution, and availability of measles vaccines. His seven-month-old son, Md. Safowan Islam Jahin, died from measles on May 26 at Shyamoli Baby Care and General Hospital.
During the proceedings, Advocate Md. Jewel Azad represented the petitioner, while Attorney General Md. Ruhul Kuddus appeared on behalf of the state.
Advocate Azad argued that the normal process of vaccine procurement was disrupted between August 8, 2024, and February 17, 2026. He contended that as the head of government during that period, Professor Muhammad Yunus held the responsibility to ensure the continuity of immunization programs. Referencing Article 15(a) of the Constitution, the petitioner’s counsel asserted that the state cannot evade its fundamental responsibility to provide essential medical care and supplies to its citizens.
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