A legal notice has been formally issued to the relevant government authorities, requesting a travel ban on former Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus along with 24 other former advisors. The notice raises serious allegations that they were involved in transferring the HAMER vaccine programme from state oversight to the private sector, a move that has sparked controversy over transparency and governance.
The notice was served on Monday, 6 April 2026, by Supreme Court lawyer Barrister M Ashraful Islam, who confirmed the action to local media. According to him, the notice is intended to ensure that the government takes immediate steps to prevent the individuals concerned from leaving the country while investigations into the allegations are ongoing.
The legal notice specifically cites concerns regarding accountability and procedural irregularities in the management of the HAMER vaccine project. The programme, a major national health initiative, was originally designed to be administered under strict government supervision to guarantee equitable access. However, the alleged shift to private management has raised questions about potential mismanagement, conflicts of interest, and lack of transparency.
The notice identifies the individuals involved and formally requests that the relevant authorities implement measures to restrict their international travel. Legal experts have noted that such notices, while not a court order in themselves, serve as a precursor to more formal legal actions if the allegations are substantiated.
Key details of the legal notice are summarised below:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuing Lawyer | Barrister M Ashraful Islam |
| Recipients | Dr. Muhammad Yunus and 24 former advisors |
| Date Issued | 6 April 2026 |
| Subject | Travel ban and accountability for HAMER vaccine project |
| Allegations | Transferring state-managed health programme to private sector |
| Objective | Ensure authorities prevent travel and investigate the matter |
The move has drawn attention from both political and administrative quarters, highlighting concerns over governance and the proper use of public health resources. While the government has not yet released an official statement regarding the notice, officials are reported to be closely monitoring the situation.
Observers note that the case underscores broader issues of transparency in public administration and the management of critical health programmes. The legal notice may pave the way for further scrutiny, possible investigations, and judicial oversight, especially if evidence of misconduct is substantiated.
This development places Dr. Yunus and the other former advisors under intense public and administrative scrutiny, marking a significant moment in Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to ensure accountability in the management of its national health initiatives.