At least seven children have died from measles across Barishal division between January and March this year, as infections surge.During the same period, 206 children were diagnosed with the highly contagious viral disease, while 77 are currently undergoing treatment at government hospitals in the division. Most of the infections and deaths have been reported recently, said Shyamal Krishna Mondal, divisional director of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in Barishal.

Health authorities said there is a shortage of measles vaccines in Bhola district, although adequate stocks are available in the other five districts of the division.

According to data, Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, the main referral facility in the division, admitted 130 measles-infected children over the past three months. Of them, 89 cases were reported in March alone.

On Monday noon, 34 measles patients were seen receiving treatment at the hospital.

A child named Omar from Banaripara in Barishal died at the hospital on Friday. Another child died from measles on Monday morning, though hospital authority could not immediately provide details.

Rahima Talukdar, a resident of Karnakathi area in Barishal Sadar, said her nine-month-old daughter was admitted to the hospital a week ago.

“Initially it seemed like a fever, but doctors later diagnosed it as measles. The hospital authorities then isolated her from other child patients. The treatment here is fairly good,” she said.

Director of Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, Brig Gen Dr AKM Moshiul Munir, said measles vaccination is usually administered at nine months of age.

“However, we are now seeing infections even among seven-month-old infants. We have adequate vaccine supplies at the hospital. There was a bed shortage in the ward, but it has been resolved,” he said, adding that the hospital is providing the highest level of care.

Shyamal Krishna Mondal said measles is highly contagious and spreads quickly through coughing and sneezing.

“Infection can occur even by staying in the same room with an infected person. People should remain cautious and ensure children’s safety instead of panicking,” he said, urging awareness among people of all ages.

A heated exchange took place in Parliament on Thursday between Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed over remarks made during the previous day’s session.The verbal clash began during a ‘Point of Order’ after the question-and-answer session when the Opposition Leader raised the issue in a sarcastic tone, prompting a strong reaction from the Home Minister.

"Yesterday, after we left the House, the Honorable Home Minister was kind enough to claim I had spoken untruths. Verily, Allah has gifted him with extraordinary skill. He can change the bottle while keeping the contents intact—expertly presenting truth as falsehood and falsehood as truth. I have stood today simply to thank him for that,” said Shafiqur.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed intervened, noting that points of order should concern current matters rather than past proceedings.

"This matter was settled yesterday. There is no need to raise it anew," the Speaker said advising the Home Minister not to respond.

He added that had the Opposition Leader been present in the House during the original remarks, a ‘Right of Reply’ would have been granted then.

However, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed took the floor to protest Dr. Rahman’s choice of words.

"The Honorable Leader of the Opposition has used two unparliamentary words—specifically the word ‘lie’ .Had he said ‘untruth’, I would not have objected. I request that the word ‘lie’ be expunged from the record," the Minister stated.

Defending his previous day’s stance, the Home Minister explained that the Opposition’s claim was factually incorrect.

He noted that the Speaker had accepted a private member's resolution under Rule 62 long after the Opposition had staged a walkout.

"How could that be considered as already tabled or read? Therefore, I maintain that his statement was untrue," Ahmed added.

Responding to the Minister, Dr. Shafiqur argued that the confusion stemmed from the fact that the same proposal had been brought forward by an independent MP under a different name.

"The proposal remained the same; only the name changed. I spoke based on the earlier version I was aware of. I provided no misinformation," the minister countered.

While the Home Minister formally requested the expunging of the word ‘lie,’ the Speaker did not provide an immediate ruling.

Parliamentary tradition in Bangladesh dictates that the word "untruth" is used instead of "lie", a practice reinforced by multiple past rulings from the Chair.

The underlying tension traces back to March 29, when the Leader of the Opposition moved an adjournment motion regarding a meeting of the Constitution Reform Council.

Subsequently, independent MP Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Iqbal moved another motion regarding the implementation of the ‘July National Charter.’

While those motions remained pending, the Speaker accepted a fresh adjournment motion on Wednesday from Treasury Bench MP Zainul Abdin Farroque regarding the implementation of the same Charter.

The Opposition staged a walkout on Wednesday alleging that their original proposals were being suppressed in favor of the government’s version.

Discussion on the newly accepted motion is scheduled for next Sunday.

In light of the ongoing measles outbreak in the country, Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam, Health Affairs Secretary of BNP, visited various departments of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. During the visit, he exchanged views with the hospital authorities, doctors, and officials at different levels on how to মোকাবেলা (tackle) the emerging situation. Speaking to journalists afterward, he stated that the first measles patient in the country was identified on January 4 in a Rohingya camp. He said, “Until 2024, Bangladesh received vaccines free of cost. However, during the interim government period, complications related to procurement disrupted the vaccine supply. This may have contributed to the current outbreak.”

He further mentioned that during the interim government, vaccination activities were also hampered due to protests by health assistants and vaccine porters over various demands. He urged concerned authorities to remain more cautious in the future so that the general public does not suffer in similar situations.

Dr. Rafiqul Islam emphasized, “The government should urgently procure the required vaccines and ensure their distribution among the জনগণ (people).” He noted that measles vaccines are typically administered at 9 months and 15 months of age. However, in the recent outbreak, even children younger than 9 months are being infected, which is alarming. He stressed the importance of conducting research to identify the specific causes behind this trend.

During the visit, he expressed satisfaction that despite limited resources, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital is providing treatment to affected patients, including keeping 12 children in ICU and treating other measles patients in wards. He thanked the doctors, officials, and staff for their efforts.

At the same time, he urged the public not to panic but to take necessary precautions.

Among others present during the visit were Brigadier General Masud Ul Islam, Director of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital; Vice Principal Professor Zahurul Haque; and doctors, officials, and staff from various departments of the hospital.

Despite being a party that held state power three times, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had hundreds of top-tier leaders. Yet, according to many grassroots activists, only a handful of leaders—most notably Ruhul Kabir Rizvi—remained accessible to ordinary party workers during difficult times. Over the past 17 years of political আন্দোলন (movements), imprisonment, and repression, BNP, in the eyes of many, became almost synonymous with Rizvi. He was widely recognized as a leader who actively participated in party activities and maintained consistent communication with grassroots workers.

A Party Marked by Cases and Repression

Internal party data reveal the extent of legal challenges faced by BNP leaders and activists. Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alone faces 180 cases. Chairman’s Special Assistant Shamsur Rahman (Shimul Biswas) has 119 cases against him. Joint Secretary General Barrister M. Mahbub Uddin Khokon faces 15 cases, Advocate Mujibur Rahman Sarwar 14, and Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal as many as 254 cases.

The scale extends far beyond top leadership. Approximately 138,071 cases have been filed against BNP leaders and activists overall, with more than 4 million individuals accused. This vast number highlights the magnitude of political pressure faced by the party over the years.

Among senior leaders, Standing Committee member Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain faces 7 cases, Barrister Jamir Uddin Sircar 4, Mirza Abbas 48, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy 32, Nazrul Islam Khan 6, and Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury 6 cases.

Members of the Chairperson’s Advisory Council have also faced numerous cases: Aman Ullah Aman with 134 cases, Mizanur Rahman Minu with 18, Zainal Abedin Faruk with 12, and Professor Zainal Abedin (VP) with 7.

Among vice chairmen and senior figures, Abdullah Al Noman faces 3 cases, Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed 5, Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury 11, Barkat Ullah Bulu 135, Mohammad Shahjahan 17, and Abdus Salam Pintu 19 cases.

Several senior leaders who have since passed away also faced numerous legal challenges during their lifetimes. Tariqul Islam had 49 cases, M. K. Anwar 19, Brigadier General (Retd.) A. S. M. Hannan Shah 41, Barrister Moudud Ahmed 28, Shah Moazzem Hossain 4, and Sadeque Hossain Khoka 27 cases.

Beyond the central leadership, organizational and departmental leaders have also faced significant legal pressure. Organizational Secretary Advocate Abdus Salam Azad has 41 cases, Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulu 47, Nazrul Islam Manju 19, and Syed Emran Saleh Prince 3. Publicity Secretary Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie faces 47 cases, Information Secretary Azizul Bari Helal 17, and Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu 87 cases.

According to BNP leaders, in Dhaka metropolitan area alone, 17,583 cases were filed across 50 থানা (police stations), illustrating the scale of legal and political pressure. faced by party activists.

Rizvi’s Role During Difficult Times

During the 17 years when BNP remained in opposition, party workers often lacked any effective support structure or leadership access. In that “situation, Rizvi emerged as one of the few leaders who stood beside grassroots activists.

He reportedly maintained communication with journalists, party workers, and even their families, providing a sense of আশ্রয় (support) during “difficult time. His role helped sustain morale among activists who faced মামলা, জেল, and political repression.

A Rapid Decline in Influence

However, political analysts note a striking shift. Within just a month and a half of returning to power, the influence of Rizvi—and other similarly affected Leaders—has begun to fade.

Not only the general public but also party leaders and activists appear to be gradually distancing themselves from figures who once symbolized resistance. Analysts interpret this as a reflection of internal instability and uncertainty in leadership dynamics within the party.

Many grassroots workers now feel that leaders who have secured influential positions are no longer connected to those who endured years of repression. In some cases, They allege that, senior leaders do not even recognize or know the names of long-suffering activists.

Growing Frustration Among Grassroots Workers

This disconnect has led to frustration among tested and persecuted party members. Many of them still look for Rizvi as a symbol of accessibility and support.

One experienced party leader commented:

“Many of us are no longer remembered. Those who are now in power do not even recognize grassroots workers. Rizvi was the only one who stood by us during difficult times.”

Grassroots activists echo this sentiment. For them, Rizvi was not just a leader but a source of guidance and আশ্রয়. His declining visibility has deepened feelings of alienation. (alienation).

Internal Challenges and Leadership Gaps

Political analysts argue that the current situation reflects deeper structural issues within BNP. The failure to acknowledge the contributions of long-time activists has created internal dissatisfaction.

On one side, leaders holding influential positions are focused on maintaining their authority. On the other, grassroots workers—who bore the brunt of political repression—feel ignored and undervalued.

This imbalance is contributing to growing distance within the party and weakening internal cohesion.

A Lesson for the Future

Observers believe that Rizvi’s trajectory offers an important lesson for BNP. Political power alone is not sufficient; it must be accompanied by accountability, integrity, and continued engagement with grassroots Worker.

Failure to do so risks creating internal fragmentation, dissatisfaction, and loss of trust among the party’s core supporters.

Ruhul Kabir Rizvi once stood as a powerful symbol of BNP’s movement, protest, and resistance. However, within a short period after returning to power, his influence appears to be diminishing.

This shift highlights a broader issue within the party: the neglect of long-time, persecuted activists. Many of them continue to seek recognition and connection—something they once found in leaders like Rizvi.

For BNP, this moment serves as a critical warning. Without recognizing the sacrifices of its grassroots members and ensuring responsible leadership, maintaining party unity and stability will remain a significant challenge.