Eid joy erased from 17 more families: Child deaths continue

Special Correspondent

Dhaka, 27 May 2026.

Despite the joy of Eid-ul-Azha, reports of child deaths due to measles and measles symptoms continue to circulate across the country. In the last 24 hours (from 8 am on Tuesday to 8 am on Wednesday), 17 more children have died due to measles and measles symptoms and lack of oxygen at Ad-Din Hospital. With this, the total number of deaths since March 15 has reached 560.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), 88 children have died of confirmed measles and 472 have died with measles symptoms. Most of the deaths are among children under the age of five.

In another tragic incident on this day, 11 more children have died at the capital’s Ad-Din Medical College Hospital. According to hospital authorities and police sources, the children died of suffocation due to gas leakage from the AC in the neonatal ward in the early hours of the morning. The atmosphere in the hospital has become heavy with the wailing of relatives in the incident.

Just when families are supposed to be celebrating Eid together, grief has descended on many homes. The memories of little children writhing in hospital beds, gasping for breath, will never return to their parents. Many of those who were treated to new clothes, toys and meat for Eid have never returned.

The Department of Health said that more than 1,000 children have been hospitalized with new measles symptoms in the last 24 hours. The total number of suspected measles cases across the country has exceeded 66,000 and confirmed cases have reached several thousand.

Health experts say the low vaccination rate, crowded Eid gatherings and the rapid spread of infections are to blame for this situation. Despite the government’s emergency vaccination campaign, rural areas and some areas have not yet been fully vaccinated.

Even during this holy time of Eid, when children are crying in hospitals, there is growing concern among parents. Doctors are urging them to ensure their children are vaccinated quickly, take them to the hospital immediately if they develop a fever or cough, and avoid crowds.

However, experts have urged stronger steps and awareness to reduce this death toll. Otherwise, this mourning procession will continue even after Eid.