Govt shifting blame: Nahid

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip in parliament Nahid Islam on Saturday accused the government of evading responsibility for the country's worsening measles situation by blaming the interim administration, saying the deaths of 400 children reflected a grave failure in the public health management. 

Speaking at a programme marking the first anniversary of National Youth Power in the capital, he also warned against any foreign policy dependence that could undermine Bangladesh's sovereignty, criticised the government's ruling style as "PR-driven", and demanded greater transparency over water-sharing and trade agreements.

Calling for an immediate intervention by the government, he said, "The government should declare a state of emergency right now."

Describing the country's health management situation as an emergency, he said the country is currently facing multiple crises.
 "The death of 400 children due to measles is the failure of the government. The government only wants to clean its hands by blaming the interim government," he added.