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Sunday | October 11, 2026 | Dhaka

Dengue largely under control

Claims State Minister Muhit
 Staff Reporter
 Published: 12:01 AM, 11 October 2026

State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit on Saturday claimed that dengue was largely under control because of the government’s coordinated efforts, while outlining ongoing measures to contain the mosquito-borne disease and the measles outbreak.

Speaking to journalists after attending a workshop in Rajshahi, Muhit said dengue infections and deaths had reached their highest levels in 2019, with the situation remaining severe in 2020 and 2021.

“But now dengue is largely under control thanks to the current government’s coordinated efforts,” he claimed.

Muhit said Khulna and Barishal divisions were experiencing higher dengue prevalence, while the incidence was lower in Rajshahi.

Although infections were continuing, the government was working to ensure proper treatment and prevent further transmission, he said.

The state minister contrasted the current response with previous approaches, saying authorities had begun preparations earlier this year rather than waiting for media attention to prompt action.

“Previously, the government would only take action after the issue received media attention. This time, work began three months in advance, with data collection starting early,” he said.

He added that cleanliness campaigns were being conducted nationwide with the support of volunteers. Around 2,000 doctors had also received training in dengue treatment, while infection rates and deaths were lower than in previous years, he claimed.

Turning to the measles outbreak, Muhit criticised the previous interim government’s failure to conduct vaccinations needed to address the current situation.

He said measles was more contagious than Covid-19 and difficult to contain once an outbreak began. Despite extensive efforts, the disease had not yet been brought fully under control, he added.

A vaccination campaign was underway, with two crore children vaccinated so far, according to the state minister.

Muhit also outlined plans to strengthen healthcare services at the upazila level, including introducing diagnostic facilities at upazila health complexes.

Work was already underway to establish laboratories at these facilities, he said, as part of the government’s efforts to improve access to healthcare outside major urban centres.