A writ petition has been filed in the High Court demanding an investigation into the role of the interim government in the decision to cancel the measles vaccination program.
The writ also seeks directions to impose a travel ban on former chief advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus and other members of the advisory council.
Supreme Court lawyer Barrister M Ashraful Islam submitted the writ petition to the relevant branch of the High Court on Sunday. The petition mentions the cancellation of the measles vaccination program as a decision that poses a serious risk to public health.
The writ petition claims that this decision could have a negative impact on the public health system and that the matter is worthy of investigation as “criminal negligence.” Therefore, it has sought directions to form an independent investigation committee to examine the decision-making process and administrative role involved.
The petition has requested that a total of 24 people, including Dr. Yunus and former members of the advisory council, be banned from traveling abroad. At the same time, the Cabinet Secretary, Health Secretary, Home Secretary, Public Administration Secretary, and the Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services, including relevant government officials, have been made respondents.
According to the lawyer who filed the writ, a legal notice was earlier sent to the concerned authorities on the same issue. However, he approached the court after receiving no response within the stipulated time.
According to court sources, the matter may be presented for hearing in a double bench of the High Court. However, no order has been given by the court in this regard yet.
Legal and public health analysts say it is crucial to ensure transparency and accountability in administrative decisions to change or suspend important public health policies such as vaccination programs. National vaccination programs have long been considered an important part of public health protection, especially in preventing infectious diseases, including measles.