An anti-mosquito drive has been launched in the capital to control the infestation of Aedes mosquito, which is responsible for the transmission of deadly dengue virus, to check the spread of dengue fever.
Authorities said the discovery of several dengue patients has prompted them to launch the eight-day drive.
“Aedes infestation has expanded somewhat and dengue patients are being found. So we have started anti-dengue activities vigorously,” said Local Government, Rural Development (LGRD) and Cooperatives Minister Md Tazul Islam.
He made the statement while responding to a question of a journalist at the inauguration of the combing operation by the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) to destroy the breeding grounds of Aedes mosquitoes to prevent dengue and chikungunya.
LGRD Minister Tazul Islam and DNCC Mayor Md Atiqul Islam inaugurated the operation at Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park at Gulshan-2 in city on Saturday.
Speaking at the function, Atiqul Islam said the combing operation has been launched to ensure that no one dies of dengue and chikungunya in the capital during this Covid-19 pandemic.
It will be carried out in 54 wards of 10 zones under the DNCC simultaneously from July 11 to July 19 to eradicate the Aedes mosquitoes, he informed.
The mayor said, “Each of us must take the responsibility to prevent the spread of the Aedes mosquito. Dengue and chikungunya must be prevented by keeping our homes and surroundings clean with the joint efforts of all.
“All of us should be aware to ensure that water is not left stuck in flower tubs, rooftop or anywhere else in our house for more than three days.”
Responding to a question of a journalist, the mayor said that as soon as the larvae of Aedes are found in any government or private building, legal action would be taken through mobile courts.
Speaking as the chief guest, LGRD Minister Md Tazul Islam said both the mayors of Dhaka are working cordially to keep the Dhaka city mosquito-free.
The ministry has provided adequate manpower, pesticides, fogging machines, allocation of necessary funds and magistrates for the two city corporations, he added.
The minister said 10 magistrates have been appointed in each city corporation to carry out the dengue prevention activities. He urged all city corporations, municipalities and union councils to carry out anti-dengue activities in accordance with the Integrator Vector Management guidelines.
Tazul Islam also called upon the city dwellers and the authorities concerned to work together to prevent dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.
“It will be difficult to control dengue and chikungunya if everyone doesn’t work together. A joint effort of the city dwellers and the city corporations is required for 100 percent success in freeing Dhaka from Aedes and other mosquitoes,” he said.
Referring to the success of the last year which comes following the division of each ward into 10 sub-zones and formation of committee with local councillors, eminent personalities, government officials, teachers, imams of mosques and NGO workers, he said the community and city dwellers usually participate in efforts spontaneously when the mayors and councillors work with sincerity.
“If we can involve the people of all sections of society, no challenge will be considered a challenge,” he said.
Responding to a question of a reporter, the minister said the campaign has begun not only in the areas of DNCC, the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has also taken up similar activities.
Tazul Islam, however, said dengue has not come to a state of panic. “If dengue takes a deadly form amid the Covdid-19 pandemic, it can create a very unfortunate situation for us. So, we’ve started the combing campaign,” he added.
He said the restoration of water flow of canals by bringing them under the jurisdiction of city corporations from WASA is paying off.
The minister directed the authorities concerned to clean the canals, drains and culverts, and requested the city dwellers not to throw garbage everywhere.
