# Health Minister Announces Action Against Official Over BBC Bangla Interview on Vaccine Crisis

> Bangladesh Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Bakul has announced disciplinary action against a health official who spoke to BBC Bangla about vaccine shortages, also threatening the district civil surgeon. The move…

Published: 2026-04-26 · Desk: Latest · Source: BBC Bangla

Bangladesh’s Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Bakul has said disciplinary action will be taken against a health official who highlighted vaccine shortages in an interview with BBC Bangla. He also warned of possible dismissal of the district civil surgeon.

The announcement, which also included action against a hospital superintendent and a hospital employee in Munshiganj over alleged vaccine shortages, has triggered public debate.

However, the Munshiganj civil surgeon said on Saturday that he has not yet received any official notice of withdrawal or dismissal.

Attempts to reach the health minister for comment were unsuccessful.

A public health expert told BBC Bangla that blaming civil surgeons or field officials for vaccine supply failures sets a negative precedent and could discourage frontline workers.

Patients in Munshiganj hospitals also reported shortages of rabies vaccines, saying they had to buy them from outside despite them being officially free.

Meanwhile, although the minister warned of action, it has been reported that higher authorities were already aware of vaccine shortages in the district. Earlier, health officials had instructed local offices to use tender funds to purchase vaccines due to supply gaps.

Despite spending part of that allocation in December, shortages reportedly continued.

While Munshiganj has been highlighted for rabies vaccine shortages, reports suggest a broader shortage of various vaccines across Bangladesh. Concerns have also been raised about vaccines under the expanded immunization program amid rising measles cases.

There are even reports of polio vaccine shortages at some centers in Dhaka.

However, the Health Minister recently claimed that vaccine stocks are sufficient for at least six months, saying there is no overall shortage except a previously resolved issue with rabies vaccines.

Original reporting: https://www.bbc.com/bengali/articles/c74723yr7ddo
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