Students demand trial of Yunus, Nurjahan over measles deaths

At least 300 children have died across Bangladesh after contracting measles, triggering demands from a student organisation for the trial of former Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and former Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum over alleged negligence.

The Revolutionary Students' Alliance raised the demand on Wednesday afternoon in front of the Anti-Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture at Dhaka University, also calling for measles to be declared an "epidemic" and for urgent nationwide containment measures. General Secretary Jabir Ahmed Jubel said the interim administration had pushed children "towards death for profit" and must face strict punishment.

He said outbreaks have now been reported in 58 of the country's 64 districts and urged the government to launch a full-scale response.

"There has been no effective action either during the interim period or under the current government. It seems they are waiting for more deaths," he said, criticising the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) leaders for opposing the setting up of a temporary measles medical camp at the university's central playground.    �"bdnews24