With the monsoon setting in and dengue infections steadily rising across the country, questions are once again being raised about Bangladesh's preparedness to tackle the mosquito-borne disease. Although the government says preventive measures are in place, public health experts warn that without sustained mosquito control, coordinated action and greater public awareness, the country could face another severe dengue season.
As of July 4, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) recorded 6,597 dengue cases and 19 deaths nationwide this year.
Barishal Division reported the highest number of infections with 1,765 cases, followed by Chattogram (1,217), Dhaka South City (958), Dhaka Division (798), Khulna (764), Dhaka North City (572), Rajshahi (234), Mymensingh (197), Sylhet (60) and Rangpur (32).
Among the 19 fatalities, Mymensingh recorded the highest number with five deaths. Dhaka South City reported four deaths, while Chattogram and Dhaka North City each recorded three. Barishal, Dhaka Division, Khulna and Rajshahi reported one death each.
Health officials said dengue infections and deaths increased sharply in June compared with January. On June 29, five people died in a single day-the highest daily death toll this year.
Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain has acknowledged that the dengue situation could worsen in the coming months but said the government has already taken necessary preparations.
He said cleanliness drives have been carried out across districts and upazilas over the past two months, while special larvicide tablets are being procured for nationwide distribution.
Hospitals have also been instructed not to discharge dengue patients until they have fully recovered, even if their fever has subsided.
To strengthen prevention efforts, the government has decided to form a task force under the supervision of State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam. The body will coordinate field-level activities, issue guidelines and implement emergency measures to combat dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.
During a visit to Hatirjheel on June 27, the state minister said Aedes mosquito larvae had reached a dangerous level in the capital. He said both Dhaka North and South city corporations were working to control mosquito breeding and urged residents to remain vigilant.
Officials of the two city corporations claimed mosquito control activities started earlier this year, helping keep the dengue situation in the capital relatively stable so far.
However, many Dhaka residents said mosquito control operations have become less visible than in previous years. They alleged that insecticide spraying, once carried out twice daily in many areas, is now infrequent despite persistent mosquito infestation. They also complained about the lack of accessible public representatives to address their concerns.
Public health experts believe prevention remains the most effective strategy against dengue.
Urban planner Prof Dr Adil Muhammad Khan said sustainable dengue control requires coordinated urban planning, proper waste management and biological mosquito control rather than relying mainly on chemical fogging. He warned that the disease is no longer confined to major cities and has spread to districts and upazilas.
Public health expert Dr Be-Nazir Ahmed said dengue cases occur throughout the year but usually peak between April and October. However, climate change, prolonged warm weather and rapid urbanisation are extending the transmission season and accelerating the spread of both the virus and Aedes mosquitoes.
He also pointed out that many people delay testing because of long waiting times, inconvenience and treatment costs, often seeking medical care only after their condition becomes critical.
Experts stressed that alongside improving treatment facilities, authorities must prioritise eliminating mosquito breeding sites, strengthening surveillance and increasing public awareness to prevent another major outbreak.
Bangladesh reported 102,861 dengue cases and 413 deaths in 2025, with Barishal Division recording the highest number of hospital admissions. The figures underscore the scale of the challenge as the country enters another peak dengue season.
