Dhaka in an alarming dengue situation: LGRD State Minister
Dhaka is currently at a high risk of dengue infection, said State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam.
The minister made the remarks to journalists on Friday (June 26) after a special anti-dengue drive conducted by the National Task Force on Mosquito-Borne Diseases.
Earlier, under his leadership, a team carried out an inspection and destruction campaign targeting Aedes mosquito larvae on Roads 18, 21, and 24 in the Banani area of the capital.
"Dhaka is now in an extremely alarming situation," the minister said. "The day before yesterday, we conducted operations at seven locations and found Aedes larvae in three houses, including a restaurant. Nearly half of the residential buildings in Dhaka South also contained mosquito larvae. The situation in the basements of high-rise buildings and government residential quarters is even more alarming."
He added that authorities are distributing awareness leaflets and placing warning stickers on buildings where larvae are found. "However, if larvae continue to be found at construction sites despite repeated warnings, we are imposing financial penalties, and in cases of non-payment, offenders may face imprisonment."
Addressing city residents through the media, the minister said, "Our primary objective is not to fine or imprison anyone, but to save lives. Therefore, preventive measures against dengue must reach every household through your support."
Mir Shahe Alam emphasized that it is impossible for the city corporations alone to control dengue. Although government operations are being conducted regularly, public participation is essential for success, as the health and safety of every family and child are directly involved.
He urged citizens to ensure that no water remains stagnant for more than three days in rooftops, yards, basements, flower pots, coconut shells, paint cans, old tires, or any other containers. He advised residents to empty standing water every three days and regularly clean their homes and surrounding areas with family members. He also called on the public not to litter indiscriminately.
The minister announced that residents can collect mosquito larvicide tablets free of charge from the regional and ward offices of the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC). He encouraged citizens to use these tablets on their own to eliminate mosquito larvae in stagnant water.
He also urged the media to intensify public awareness campaigns on dengue prevention and requested the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) to instruct its members to ensure cleanliness at construction sites and residential buildings.
Responding to a question from journalists, the minister said the ministry would also take necessary measures to implement similar preventive actions in government residential quarters.
After the operation, Brigadier General Imrul Kayes Chowdhury, Chief Health Officer of the Dhaka North City Corporation, said that under a three-month special monsoon campaign, daily cleaning drives, mosquito control spraying, and larvae destruction activities are being carried out at homes, commercial establishments, and restaurants.
He noted, "During three consecutive days of operations, Aedes larvae were found in approximately 50 percent of the government residential quarters and nearby houses in Banani, clearly indicating the need for greater public awareness."
Meanwhile, during the drive, a residential building under construction on Road 24 in Banani was found to have Aedes larvae again despite previous warnings. As a result, DNCC Executive Magistrate Marufa Akter Neli, acting under Section 269 of the Penal Code, imposed a fine of Tk 50,000, with a three-month prison sentence in default of payment.
As part of the campaign, awareness activities—including loudspeaker announcements, leaflet distribution, and warning stickers—were conducted among local residents. During the visit, the state minister also exchanged views with city corporation sanitation workers and thanked them for their tireless efforts in controlling dengue.
DNCC Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Asaduzzaman, Chief Waste Management Officer Commodore Mohammad Humayun Kabir, Chief Health Officer Brigadier General Imrul Kayes Chowdhury, Regional Health Officer Dr. Azizun Nesa, Banani Society Vice President Dr. Tanvir Ahmed Khan, General Secretary Irfan Islam, Joint Treasurer Dr. Shahed Haidar Chowdhury, Manager Syed Mostak Uddin, Executive Magistrate Marufa Akter Neli, Deputy Secretary of the Local Government Division Md. Robiul Islam, and other senior officials, were present in the programme.