City steps help curb dengue
State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD) Mir Shahe Alam has said the coordinated efforts and commitment of city corporation administrators have strengthened dengue prevention activities across the country.
Speaking at a meeting of the task force on prevention of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases, held virtually from the Local Government Division at the Secretariat, the state minister said the appointment of administrators to city corporations under the Prime Minister’s leadership has revitalised field-level operations.
He said preventing mosquito breeding remains the most effective way to control dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases, stressing the need to prioritise the destruction of Aedes mosquito breeding sites and intensify cleanliness campaigns.
Shahe Alam praised city corporation administrators for their dedication and urged greater participation from voluntary organisations, educational institutions and local communities in awareness programmes.
He said city corporation sanitation workers must take a more proactive role in maintaining urban cleanliness, while citizens should remain alert to keeping homes, schools, construction sites and surrounding areas clean.
The state minister stressed the need for regular inspections of under-construction buildings and stronger awareness campaigns in educational institutions.
He said special drives are being conducted nationwide to remove mosquito breeding grounds, while mobile courts are taking legal action when Aedes larvae are found at construction sites or other potential breeding locations.
The Local Government Division recently formed the task force to implement decisions of the national committee on dengue prevention, improve coordination among relevant agencies and oversee overall mosquito-control activities.
Regular cleanliness drives, public awareness campaigns and special operations to eliminate breeding grounds are being carried out across the country, including in different areas of the capital.
Administrators from several city corporations, including Mymensingh, Rangpur and Rajshahi, attended the meeting in person, while officials from Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet, Cumilla, Gazipur, Narayanganj and Bogura city corporations joined virtually.
Senior officials from the Local Government Division and relevant projects also attended the meeting.
