Staff Reporter ; Dhaka – 💉 A formal complaint has been filed with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) seeking an investigation into alleged corruption involving the procurement of measles vaccines and syringes for children.
The allegations are directed at the former Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, former Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, and other related officials.
The application was submitted on Monday at the ACC headquarters in Segunbagicha by Supreme Court lawyers Biplob Kumar Das and Barrister Sanaullah Nure Sagor.
Allegations of Negligence and Mismanagement
The complainants pointed to a recent measles outbreak across the country that has reportedly claimed the lives of over a hundred children. They cited media reports indicating a severe shortage of government-supplied vaccines and syringes, which has exacerbated the spread of the disease.
The application states that citizens and health experts have voiced concerns on social media and electronic media, holding Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Nurjahan Begum responsible for the rising death toll due to administrative failure.
Failure Despite BDT 42,000 Crore Budget
According to the complaint, the interim government abruptly changed the vaccine procurement process without adequate preparation. Despite a massive budget of approximately BDT 42,000 crore allocated to the health sector, the administration allegedly failed to procure and distribute essential vaccines on time.
The lawyers argued that the lack of transparency regarding the new procurement method and the failure to utilize the health budget effectively suggest deep-rooted corruption and irregularities.
“Measles is a highly contagious disease spreading rapidly across the country. While thousands of children are fighting for their lives in hospitals, the failure to act despite having sufficient funds points toward embezzlement and gross mismanagement,” the application read.
Call for Investigation
The petitioners urged the ACC to investigate whether any funds were misappropriated during the procurement process for vaccines and syringes. They emphasized that an inquiry is essential in the public interest to protect the country’s health sector and, most importantly, the lives of children.
The ACC has been requested to take necessary legal action based on the findings of the investigation.