In a civilized state, the death of a child can never be reduced to a mere statistic. This is especially true when the death is caused by a preventable disease such as measles, against which safe and effective vaccines have been available for decades. Every child who dies represents not only the grief of a family but also a serious test of the country's public health system, political leadership, and governance. Bangladesh has witnessed a resurgence of measles, accompanied by reports of child deaths. Naturally, this raises important questions. Was the public health system adequately prepared? Was the immunization program implemented effectively? Or did administrative negligence and a lack of priority allow a preventable disease to claim young lives once again? The measles outbreak during the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus has drawn widespread criticism. Allegations have been made that insufficient attention to the health sector, weaknesses in the vaccination program, and delays in taking effective measures contributed to the worsening situation. While the accuracy of these allegations should be determined through an impartial investigation, one fact remains undeniable: when a crisis occurs, the government in office bears political and administrative responsibility. But the questions do not end there. After the BNP government assumed office, many citizens expected that if there had been any administrative failures behind the measles outbreak and the resulting child deaths, an impartial investigation would be conducted. Those responsible—whether individuals or institutions—would be held accountable. A change of government does not erase the state's responsibilities; rather, learning from past failures and ensuring justice is one of the foremost duties of any new administration. The reality, however, is that no visible investigation, accountability process, or determination of responsibility has been clearly presented to the public. This raises another question: Will the deaths of children from a preventable disease like measles remain just another news headline, or will anyone ever be held accountable? In politics, blaming one another is easy. But people now want responsibility, not accusations. They want to know why children had to die from a preventable disease, why the public health system failed, and why accountability for that failure remains elusive. A child's life belongs to no political party and to no individual leader. Every child is equally precious to the state. Even a single death from a preventable disease should be regarded as a symbol of state failure. That is why the question today is directed not only at Dr. Yunus but also at the current political leadership. If the government at the time failed to take effective measures when they were needed, then ensuring a proper investigation and accountability is the responsibility of the current government. If the present administration also fails to fulfill that responsibility, the public will naturally conclude that children's lives are not among the state's political priorities. A section of the public alleges that the Yunus administration did not give sufficient importance to the measles outbreak and the resulting child deaths. At the same time, they question why the current BNP government has not taken any visible steps to ensure an impartial investigation and accountability. There are also allegations that legal proceedings on the matter have not progressed adequately. Determining the truth of these claims and taking appropriate action is ultimately the responsibility of the state. One was in charge of running the state then; the other is now one of the most influential figures in the country's political leadership. But when it comes to children's lives, public health, and accountability, the people want more than statements—they want effective action. Governments may change, but the state's responsibility does not. As long as children continue to die from preventable diseases such as measles, and as long as no effective effort is made to investigate the causes and establish accountability, one question will continue to resonate: Children die of measles—why don't Yunus and Tarique feel the heat?

ABM Kamrul Hasan Expatriate Physician and Columnist