Savar, Dhaka | May 5, 2026: The Bangladesh Society of Microbiologists (BSM), in collaboration with the Department of Microbiology at Jahangirnagar University, organized a seminar titled “Insights from Recent Measles Outbreak in Bangladesh: Strengthening Scientific Response & National Preparedness” today at the Senate Hall of Jahangirnagar University from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
In response to the recent surge in measles cases and the alarming increase in infections and deaths among children in Bangladesh, the seminar was convened to highlight the urgent need for strengthening coordinated national preparedness. Key focus areas included laboratory surveillance, clinical management, public awareness, and immunization programs.
The keynote speakers included Dr. Firdausi Qadri, Emeritus Scientist, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b; Dr. Khondoker Mahbuba Jamil, Virologist and Public Health Laboratory Specialist and former Head of the National Polio-ES and Measles-Rubella Laboratory under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; and Dr. Sanjoy Kumer Dey, Professor of Neonatology at Bangladesh Medical University and Member Secretary of the Faculty of Pediatrics at the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Distinguished guests present at the seminar included Dr. M. Mahfuzur Rahman, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education), Jahangirnagar University; Professor Md. Mafruhi Sattar, Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences; and Dr. Md. Latiful Bari, President of the Bangladesh Society of Microbiologists.
The speakers discussed various aspects of the measles outbreak, including epidemiological trends, laboratory diagnosis, molecular surveillance, gaps in vaccination coverage, impact on children, vaccination of women against measles before pregnancy and risk communication at the community level. Emphasis was also placed on strengthening national preparedness for future infectious disease threats.
The seminar highlighted the importance of coordinated engagement among physicians, microbiologists, public health experts, epidemiologists, laboratory professionals, immunization specialists, and policymakers in effectively controlling measles and other emerging infectious diseases. The need for stronger integration between academic expertise, clinical services, public health laboratories, immunization programs, and national policy planning was also underscored.
In the closing remarks, Professor Dr. Sangita Ahmed, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Society of Microbiologists, and Professor Dr. Nihad Adnan, Chair of the Department of Microbiology at Jahangirnagar University, emphasized the critical role of microbiologists in pathogen detection, genomic surveillance, vaccine-related research, biosafety, antimicrobial resistance monitoring, and outbreak investigations.
They noted that microbiology graduates and professionals played a vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic by working closely with the government, and they remain ready to contribute similarly in the current measles outbreak and any future public health emergencies. They also called for greater institutional inclusion and expanded career opportunities for microbiologists within the healthcare sector.
The seminar also placed strong emphasis on strengthening Bangladesh’s long-term vaccine security and self-reliance. While acknowledging the vital contributions of international partners such as UNICEF, WHO, and Gavi in supporting immunization programs, the speakers stressed the need for Bangladesh to gradually build its own capacity in vaccine research, local production, quality control, cold-chain management, storage, distribution, and post-vaccination surveillance.
According to the organizers, ensuring national vaccine capacity is essential to safeguarding future generations, particularly in situations where external support may be delayed, reduced, or disrupted. Microbiologists play a crucial role in advancing vaccine research and evaluating vaccine-preventable diseases to achieve this goal.
Through this seminar, the Bangladesh Society of Microbiologists and the Department of Microbiology at Jahangirnagar University reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening scientific awareness, evidence-based public health action, and national preparedness in addressing measles and other infectious disease threats.
