Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday officially inaugurated the National Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign 2026 from the Ziaur Rahman Rural Hospital in Bagbari area of Gabtali Upazila in Bogura.
The programme marks the formal start of a countrywide immunisation effort aimed at protecting children from two highly contagious diseases.
The inauguration ceremony was held at midday on the hospital premises as part of the Prime Minister’s daylong visit to Bogura. Following the launch, he also visited the hospital and held discussions with members of the management committee, doctors, and local representatives regarding healthcare services and ongoing public health initiatives.
Officials confirmed that the campaign will be implemented simultaneously across the country through district, upazila, union, and ward-level vaccination centres. The initiative is being coordinated by the Directorate General of Health Services alongside routine immunisation programmes to ensure wider coverage among children.
Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister described the vaccination drive as one of the government’s key public health achievements.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that every child is brought under vaccination coverage and instructed field-level health workers to remain alert so that no eligible child is missed.
Health officials present at the programme explained that measles is a highly infectious viral disease that can lead to serious complications in children, while rubella poses significant risks for pregnant women, including birth defects.
They emphasised that timely immunisation is essential to prevent outbreaks and safeguard public health.
A large crowd gathered at the hospital from early morning, including parents, local residents, healthcare workers, and political activists. Law enforcement personnel were deployed to maintain order and ensure smooth proceedings during the event.
Local residents said the decision to launch a national campaign from a rural hospital in Bogura highlights the government’s focus on strengthening healthcare services outside major urban centres, particularly in northern Bangladesh.
Public health experts noted that the success of the campaign will depend on effective awareness efforts, adequate vaccine supply, trained medical staff, and strong data monitoring systems.
They added that attention will now shift to the nationwide implementation and the speed at which full coverage can be achieved.
.jpg "Bangladesh records 4 more measles-related deaths in past 24 hours")
