Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) on Saturday organised a simultaneous 'Cleaning Day' programme across its 10 administrative zones, seeking to strengthen public participation in maintaining urban cleanliness and preventing dengue.

DSCC Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Md Abdus Salam joined the programme of Zones 1 and 2 in the capital's Shantinagar area as the chief guest.

According to the city corporation, the initiative is being observed on the first Saturday of every month as part of efforts to make the government's weekly cleanliness campaign more effective.

The campaign, held under the slogan "Keep your own premises clean, build a cleaner city," encouraged government and private institutions, educational establishments, markets, shopping centres and residents to clean their premises and surrounding areas.

People were also urged to dispose of waste only at designated places and remain vigilant against dengue by eliminating stagnant water where Aedes mosquitoes breed.

The day-long programme included cleanliness drives, awareness rallies, leaflet distribution and campaigns highlighting the importance of community participation in ensuring sustainable waste management.

Addressing the programme, Abdus Salam said building a clean and dengue-free city is not possible through the efforts of the city corporation alone.

"A clean, liveable city can only be achieved through joint efforts by citizens and the city corporation. If everyone keeps their own premises clean and prevents water from accumulating in places where Aedes mosquitoes can breed, controlling dengue during the monsoon season will become much easier," he said.

Among others, DSCC Chief Executive Officer Md Jahirul Islam, Chief Waste Management Officer Air Commodore Md Mahbubur Rahman Talukder, Secretary Md Zainul Abedin, regional executive officers, officials and employees of the corporation, local public representatives, members of social and voluntary organisations, students, businesspeople and residents participated in the programme.