The surge followed a violent uprising against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which threw the country into political turmoil in 2024‑2025 and interrupted routine immunisation and vaccine supplies.

Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain told parliament that changes in procurement created a vaccine shortage and led to the postponement of the 2024 measles‑rubella programme and the cancellation of the 2025 campaign.

In response, the government launched an emergency measles‑rubella vaccination drive in April, aiming at roughly 18 million children aged six months to under five years.

To date, more than 19.7 million children have received the vaccine, according to ministry data, but experts warn that routine immunisation must be restored to close immunity gaps.

During the early phase of the outbreak, children under five accounted for about 80 % of cases, showing how the disruption left the youngest, who are most vulnerable, unprotected.

The crisis illustrates how quickly public‑health achievements can unravel when political instability interferes with vaccine supply chains, emphasizing the need for resilient health systems.