A writ petition was filed with the High Court (HC) on Sunday seeking an investigation into the role of the interim government’s advisory council over the cancellation of the nationwide measles vaccination programme, which the petitioner described as an act of “criminal negligence.”
The petition also requested the court to impose a travel ban on former Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and all members of the advisory council until the matter is investigated.
Supreme Court lawyer Barrister M Ashraful Islam filed the writ with the relevant branch of the HC, arguing that the decision to suspend the measles vaccination programme may have endangered public health and requires judicial scrutiny.
The petition named several senior government officials as respondents, including the Cabinet Secretary, the Secretaries of the Health Services Division, Home Affairs Ministry and Public Administration Ministry, along with the Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and other concerned officials.
According to the petition, the cancellation of the immunisation initiative amid growing concerns over measles infections warrants an independent inquiry to determine whether negligence or administrative failure contributed to risks to public safety.
The petitioner further urged the court to direct the authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the decision-making process and hold those responsible accountable if any irregularities are found.
The High Court is expected to take up the writ for hearing after procedural formalities are completed.
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