A writ petition has been filed in the High Court seeking directions to provide 20 million BDT (2 Crore) in compensation to each family of the 352 children who died of measles and related complications.

On Sunday (May 10), Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Humayun Kabir Pallab filed the petition in the public interest. The Secretary of Health and other relevant authorities have been named as respondents in the writ.

According to reports published in various newspapers, 352 children have died from measles or measles-like symptoms over the past 55 days. Official government records indicate an average of at least six deaths per day, though that figure has risen to an average of 10 deaths per day over the last week.

Despite official assurances that the mortality rate would decline, the death toll has surged by 1.5 times. Dhaka Division is reported to be the most high-risk area, while Rangpur remains the least.

Within the last 24 hours, nine more children died with symptoms, according to an analysis of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) regular bulletins.

Public health experts warn that even if the government figures are accepted as accurate, the situation remains alarming. The number of new infections and hospitalizations continues to climb daily, with children bearing the brunt of the outbreak.

Health Services Division Secretary Md. Kamruzzaman Chowdhury stated that the government has launched an investigation into the vaccine shortage and the surge in pediatric deaths. The probe will determine why so many children died and whether there was any professional negligence involved.

Medical professionals suggest that the exclusion of many children from routine immunization programs and the rapid spread of the virus during the heatwave are primary factors behind the outbreak.

Doctors have advised parents to seek immediate hospital care if a child develops a fever or rash and have urged for increased surveillance, particularly in and around Dhaka.