Govt launches nationwide anti-dengue drive

The government has officially launched a three-month nationwide special campaign aimed at preventing dengue through public awareness, elimination of Aedes mosquito breeding sites, and ensuring a cleaner environment across the country.

The campaign was inaugurated on Saturday morning at Rabindra Sarobar in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) by Health and Family Welfare Adviser Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain. The event was chaired by DSCC Administrator and freedom fighter Md. Abdus Salam.

Speaking at the inauguration, officials emphasized that public participation is crucial in preventing dengue outbreaks. 

Citizens were urged to regularly clean their homes, rooftops, balconies, flower pots, drains, and surrounding areas to prevent water accumulation, which serves as the primary breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes.

Addressing the gathering, Sakhawat Hossain said the government has launched an extensive awareness campaign, including public announcements and community outreach activities, to educate people about dengue prevention. “Maintaining cleanliness and preventing stagnant water are the most effective ways to combat dengue,” he said.

The adviser also warned that the government would take strict action against negligence. “If awareness efforts fail to bring compliance, mobile courts will be deployed. Maximum fines will be imposed wherever Aedes mosquito larvae are found,” he stated.

In his remarks, DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam noted that the city corporation’s survey identified 28 out of 75 wards as high-risk areas for dengue transmission. A week-long special “Crash Programme” will begin in these wards from Sunday to intensify mosquito control measures.

Following the ceremony, the health adviser and DSCC administrator joined a colorful awareness rally with members of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, Dhanmondi Society, and local residents.

Separately, an unauthorized fair at Rabindra Sarobar was evicted on Saturday morning after the DSCC administrator expressed dissatisfaction upon discovering the event during the official programme and immediately ordered its removal.