Measles Surge In Bangladesh Clouds Visa Talks Ahead Of Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman's India Visit

Last Updated:April 07, 2026, 07:00 IST

Bangladesh is grappling with a near-epidemic situation with official data indicating at least 113 children have died in the last three weeks due to suspected measles

As Bangladesh foreign minister Khalilur Rahman prepares to visit India from April 7, a key item on the agenda is expected to be Dhaka’s push for the resumption of tourist visas for its citizens.

But a rapidly worsening measles outbreak in Bangladesh – described by the local media as the worst in two decades – could significantly influence deliberations in New Delhi.

WHAT IS HEALTH CRISIS IN THE BACKGROUND?

At present, Bangladesh is grappling with what health experts are calling a near-epidemic situation. According to official data from its health ministry, at least 113 children have died in the last three weeks due to suspected measles though unofficial estimates suggest the toll may be higher.

The number of children, aged between six months and five years, showing symptoms has surged to 6,476. The scale of the outbreak is stark: in only 24 hours, the neighbouring country has recorded 974 suspected cases and two deaths as per local media.

The public health crisis is being driven by a combination of declining vaccination coverage, vaccine shortage, lack of field-level health workers, and the absence of a nationwide measles-rubella immunisation campaign since 2020.

WHY IS THE YUNUS REGIME UNDER FIRE?

The suspected measles outbreak is most severe in major population and transit hubs such as Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet.

These regions are not only densely populated but also see high levels of migration and cross-border movement – factors that heighten the risk of disease spread beyond the borders of Bangladesh. A legal notice, meanwhile, was sent to the authorities seeking a ban on the foreign travel of former interim government head Muhammad Yunus.

The notice was issued on Monday by Supreme Court lawyer M Ashraful Islam, alleging involvement in shifting the measles vaccine from a state-managed system to the private sector. The notice seeks a restriction on leaving the country, not only for Yunus but also for all advisers of the interim government’s advisory council.

WHAT ARE INDIA’S CONCERNS?

For India, the public health implications are immediate and tangible. Bordering states like West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura are particularly vulnerable.

Within these states, districts such as Malda and Murshidabad in West Bengal, along with the Barak Valley in Assam, are seen as high-risk zones due to their proximity to the border and existing patterns of cross-border movement. Government sources indicate that the Centre is closely monitoring the situation and factoring in these vulnerabilities while considering any decision on easing visa restrictions.

HOW CAN THIS AFFECT THE VISA POLICY?

The visa issue has already been in a state of cautious recalibration. While Bangladesh resumed issuing tourist visas to Indian citizens from its missions in India in February – following political changes that saw the Bangladesh Nationalist Party return to power – India has yet to reciprocate.

At present, New Delhi is issuing visas to Bangladeshi nationals only under select categories such as medical and business travel, and even those are being processed with greater scrutiny. Hence, Rahman’s visit comes at a time when India must balance diplomatic engagement with public health safeguards.

Reopening tourist visas could signal a return to normalcy in bilateral ties, but the ongoing measles outbreak adds a layer of complexity to the decision-making process. For now, the situation in Bangladesh – and particularly the trajectory of the outbreak in the coming weeks – may well determine if India moves forward with reopening its doors to Bangladeshi tourists or opts for continued caution.

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