The petition was submitted to the relevant branch of the High Court on Thursday 2 April. It also calls for the formation of a high-level investigation committee to probe the recent deaths of 47 children reportedly caused by measles across the country.

A hearing on the petition is expected to take place next week before a division bench of the High Court.

Earlier, on Wednesday, April 1, human rights activist and Supreme Court lawyer Eklash Uddin Bhuiyan issued a legal notice to the government, urging authorities to ensure measles vaccination for children across Bangladesh within 24 hours. The notice was sent to the Health Minister, the Health Secretary, and the Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services.

Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, has triggered widespread concern nationwide as infections continue to rise in several districts. The outbreak has taken a particularly severe turn in areas including Rajshahi, Barishal, and Mymensingh.

Health officials report that more than 60 percent of infected children are under nine months old, none of whom had received the measles vaccine. Under the national immunisation programme, the first dose is typically administered at nine months, followed by a second dose at 15 months. However, in response to the current situation, the Directorate General of Health Services has decided to lower the age for the first dose to six months.