KHULNA, Mar 14: A special cleanliness and mosquito eradication drive was launched across Khulna City on Saturday to prevent the spread of dengue and chikungunya.
Administrator of Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Nazrul Islam Manju formally inaugurated the crash programme at about 11 am on the premises of Ershad Ali Government Primary School under Ward No. 21 of the city.
Speaking on the occasion, Manju said the special programme has been taken as a preparatory measure to prevent dengue and chikungunya infections.
He said, Tarique Rahman has announced a nationwide cleanliness campaign, and the programme in Khulna is part of that initiative.
He said similar programmes will be implemented gradually in every ward so that people become self-motivated to participate in maintaining cleanliness.
The KCC administrator said the city corporation will clean drains across the city, while residents must ensure that no waste is thrown into drains or water bodies.
He directed officials concerned to perform their duties sincerely and urged citizens to dispose of waste at designated places.
Alongside the KCC initiative, residents have also been urged to keep their house premises clean and ensure that water does not accumulate in flower pots, drums, unused buckets or discarded tyres.
Manju said awareness and collective efforts of the people are essential to prevent the spread of such deadly diseases.
Among others, Deputy Commissioner ASM Jamshed Khondkar, Deputy Director of Local Government Md Ariful Islam, President of Khulna Metropolitan BNP Shafiqul Alam Mona, KCC Chief Executive Officer Rajib Ahmed, Secretary Ariful Islam and Chief Engineer Moshiuzzaman Khan were present at the programme, along with local leaders and officials.
