United News of Bangladesh

In Naogaon municipality, the relentless rise of dengue cases is exposing a deeper public health crisis, as residents confront swarms of mosquitoes amid longstanding urban sanitation failures. For weeks, communities across the town have battled insects invading homes, schools, businesses and offices—pestering residents even in daylight hours. Coils, sprays and smoke have become everyday essentials, yet the relentless buzzing and painful bites continue. Locals said what was once a seasonal nuisance has transformed into a source of fear, frustration and growing anger at local authorities. Read more: Young adults hit hard as Bangladesh logs 593 dengue cases, 3 deaths A Town on Edge Naogaon Municipality, home to over 268,000 people across nine wards, is facing what locals describe as a preventable mosquito explosion. Open heaps of uncollected garbage, uncovered and clogged drains, and stagnant water turning neighbourhoods into breeding grounds have compounded the crisis. “We close our doors and windows before evening, but it’s useless. Mosquitoes fly over burning coils. Their bites cause swelling and a burning sensation. I spend at least Tk 10 a day on coils, but if this continues, dengue is unavoidable,” said Shamim Ahmed, a resident of Masterpara. Students are among the hardest hit. “Studying has become nearly impossible. I have to sit inside a mosquito net with a coil burning. This is no way to study,” said Arif Hossain from the Degree Mor area. Tax Increasing, Services Declining Residents complain that despite yearly hikes in municipal taxes, improvements in mosquito-control efforts are barely visible. Many allege that fogging and spraying target administrative or high-profile areas, leaving densely populated neighbourhoods neglected. “There’s a municipal waste dump near my house. Mosquito-control activities here are rare. We pay higher taxes every year, but receive no proper services,” said Asfaq Uddin of Komaigari. Read more: Best Foods to Increase Platelets in Dengue Fever Health Risks Growing According to the Naogaon Civil Surgeon’s Office, 56 new dengue cases were reported as of November 23. October saw 120 cases and September 116, bringing the district’s total infections this year to 321. At Naogaon 250-bed General Hospital, 120 dengue patients were treated over the last three months. “No deaths have occurred so far, and we are providing adequate treatment,” said hospital statistician Dilruba Sultana. Nationwide, the situation remains concerning. The DGHS reported two more dengue deaths on Monday, pushing the national toll to 366. With 705 new cases on the same day, the total infections reached 90,969 this year. Local Authorities Admit Limitations Naogaon Municipality Engineer Sajjad Hossain acknowledged the challenges, noting that the municipality has only three fogging machines and three hand-spray units. “For the past two years, we haven’t received dedicated funds for mosquito control. We are running operations using municipal revenue and prioritising hand spraying, as it destroys larvae more effectively,” he said. Read more: 8 more dead, 778 hospitalised as Bangladesh fails to curb dengue

Amid a sharp rise in Covid-19, dengue and other viral fevers across Bangladesh, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Admin) of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) Prof Dr Md Abul Kalam Azad on Tuesday warned of growing pressure on the country’s healthcare system and emphasised the urgent need for a scientifically guided and well-coordinated response. Speaking at a Continuing Medical Education (CME) seminar hosted by BMU, Prof Azad said, “We are entering a critical period. Covid-19 and dengue cases are surging simultaneously, and if we fail to act now—guided by medical evidence—we risk overwhelming our hospitals and frontline services.” He called for heightened surveillance in border areas to prevent further spread of Covid-19 and reminded the public to continue adhering to health safety protocols, including wearing masks, maintaining hygiene, and avoiding unnecessary gatherings. “This is not a time for complacency. Our preparedness must match the evolving threats,” he cautioned. Covid-19: 3 more deaths, 19 new cases reported in 24hrs The seminar, titled ‘An Overview of Current Fever Trends in Bangladesh’, was held at the Super Specialised Hospital auditorium and brought together leading physicians, researchers and medical faculty. Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Shahinul Alam attended as chief guest and echoed the call for calm, not panic, urging strict adherence to evidence-based dengue treatment guidelines. Associate Prof Dr Fazle Rabbi Chowdhury, in his presentation on Covid-19 Trend 2025, said infections are rising, largely driven by Omicron sub-variants XFG and XFC. Though not categorised as Variants of Concern by the WHO, they are being closely monitored due to their rapid spread, including among vaccinated individuals. “Those with weakened immunity—especially patients with diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, or those undergoing dialysis—are at high risk,” he said. Covid-19: 2 more deaths, 4 new cases reported in 24hrs Dr Rabbi said co-infections involving Covid-19 and seasonal flu, popularly known as ‘flurona’, are being observed, heightening the risk of complications for vulnerable groups. He urged such people to wear surgical masks in public, eat nutritious meals, hydrate frequently, and avoid crowded places. On dengue, Associate Prof Dr Md Nazmul Hasan shared updated guidance under Dengue Guideline 2025. He strongly warned against the use of antibiotics and steroids, emphasising they are not only ineffective but potentially harmful in viral infections. “Paracetamol, fluids, rest and timely hospital visits remain the most effective treatment,” he said. Dr Hasan also rejected unproven remedies like papaya leaf juice, saying there is no scientific basis for its use in raising platelet counts and warning of potential liver complications from misuse. He stressed that platelet transfusions should only be considered in specific, clinically justified cases. According to data presented, more than 1,800 patients have been hospitalised with dengue so far this month, with at least seven deaths reported from Dhaka and Barisal. Internal Medicine specialist Dr Abed Hossain Khan added that chikungunya is also making a comeback, with 161 confirmed cases in recent months and significant post-viral symptoms affecting patients’ daily lives. Prof Azad urged all hospitals—government and private—to activate fever clinics, ensure adequate supplies of IV fluids and emergency care, and prepare healthcare workers through updated training. “We must rely on facts, not fear. Our strength lies in coordinated, guideline-driven response,” he said. The CME was organised by BMU’s Internal Medicine Department and moderated by Assistant Prof Dr Khaled Mahbub Morshed Mamun. Also present were Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Development) Prof Dr Md Mujibur Rahman Hawlader, faculty deans, department heads and senior clinicians.  

Eleven new dengue cases were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Thursday morning, bringing the total number of cases to 1,862 this year. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), new cases were reported as follows: two in Barishal Division (Out of CC), two in Dhaka Division (Out of CC), two in Dhaka South City Corporation, two in Dhaka North City Corporation, two in Khulna Division (Out of CC) and one in Mymensingh Division (Out of CC). Every family could face a cancer case by 2030 without greater awareness, experts warn The number of deaths remained at 13, with no new fatalities reported during this period, the DGHS added. Currently, 74 dengue patients are receiving treatment in hospitals across the country. Doctors demand amendment to Tobacco Control Law Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people. According to the DGHS, there were 101,214 dengue cases and 100,040 recoveries in the same year.

Thirty-seven more new dengue cases were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Sunday morning, bringing the total number of cases to 1,295 this year. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), three of the new cases were reported in Dhaka South City Corporation, while five were hospitalised in Dhaka North City Corporation. The number of deaths remained at 11, with no new fatalities reported during this period, the DGHS added. Antimicrobial Resistance in Bangladesh: Growing Threat and Urgent Solutions Currently, 91 dengue patients are receiving treatment in hospitals across the country. Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people. According to the DGHS, there were 101,214 dengue cases and 100,040 recoveries in the same year. Every family could face a cancer case by 2030 without greater awareness, experts warn

Despite the rapidly worsening dengue outbreak in the country, the two city corporations in Dhaka are failing to implement effective measures, with their response seemingly confined in recent times to realising fines from the public. Residents in various areas of the city complain of a lack of action during the Aedes mosquito breeding season and a failure to eradicate the breeding grounds before the monsoon arrived. Experts have highlighted that this dire situation is a result of the city corporations' inadequate efforts in controlling dengue throughout the year. 11 more deaths as July turns deadliest month ever for dengue in Bangladesh The alarming situation being witnessed today is the consequence of inadequate year-round measures to control dengue, according to Dr. Manjur Ahmed Chowdhury, an entomologist. "The two city corporations should take preventive measures before the dengue season starts by collecting and testing mosquitoes in high-infestation areas. However, there is no such initiative, and fines alone will not benefit dengue control," he said. He also criticized the unscientific and ineffective instructions given by the city corporations, as well as the lack of skilled manpower to handle the situation. He emphasized that using fogging for mosquito control is proven to be an ineffective method for mosquito control or eradication. Dengue outbreak: DSCC distributes leaflets in mosques to raise awareness Furthermore, experts pointed out that the government's lack of effdctive policies for mosquito control and dengue prevention has rendered the efforts of city corporations and municipalities ineffective all over the country. Since dengue became endemic in Bangladesh starting in 2000, till 2018 it was confined to Dhaka city. The first infections outside Dhaka were recorded in 2019. Today it is present in all 64 districts. Public health expert Dr. Lelin Chowdhury explained that mere ‘exhibitionism’ of collecting fines by the city corporations without proper collaboration with the public and representatives will not effectively control dengue. He stressed the need for joint efforts to combat the issue. The absence of laboratories and entomologists in the two cities also contributes to the ineffective control measures. Dhaka grappling with worst dengue outbreak due to gross failure of two mayors: BNP The failure of the city corporations to effectively control mosquito breeding has allowed the Aedes mosquitoes, carriers of the dengue virus, to spread across the country, leading to a serious dengue outbreak. As the situation worsens, experts warn that immediate action and proper strategies are essential to curb the dengue epidemic. Dr. Be-Nazir Ahmed highlighted the necessity for technical expertise in mosquito control and suggested the establishment of laboratories for research on the subject. Entomologist Professor Kabirul Bashar emphasized the importance of scientific mosquito control involving the public, city corporations, municipalities, and the local government ministry. He proposed implementing mosquito breeding ground destruction activities in conjunction with hotspot management. Despite the city corporations' significant spending on mosquito control, the results have been disappointing, with the number of dengue cases and deaths continuing to rise. Reports of irregularities in the spraying of mosquito-killing drugs have also surfaced, raising doubts about the effectiveness of the expenditures. In the last fiscal year 2022-23, the two city corporations spent Tk 128 crore on mosquito control, with North City Corporation's (TK 101 crore) expenses being almost four times higher than those of South City Corporation (Tk 27 crore)  

As the dengue situation has taken an alarming turn across the country, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) urged people to be careful and focus on ensuring that their surroundings are clean. It also urged people not to panic over the alarming rise of dengue, said a handout of PID issued on Tuesday. The DGHS also asked to follow some guidelines to combat the dengue outbreak. TIB disappointed over two city corporations' initiatives to prevent dengue in Dhaka Symptoms of dengue The DGHS asked to consult doctors on suspicion of dengue after seeing symptoms alongside 104 degree body temperature. These are: severe headache, pain in the back of the eyes, muscle and joint ache, nausea and rash. Severe symptoms of dengue The body temperature of a dengue patient may decrease abnormally between three to seven days after being infected with dengue. There may also be severe stomach ache, frequent vomiting, vomit with blood, feeling depressed or restless. Personal awareness DGHS guidelines also advised to keep the doors and windows of houses and offices shut and covering the body to avoid mosquito bites. Raising awareness in the community The guidelines call for raising awareness among families, neighbours and communities to prevent dengue and ask everyone to engage in a cleanliness drive. This year’s dengue death toll rises to 67 with two deaths in 24 hours Steps to stop breeding of mosquitoes Water should not be allowed to accumulate in the field or on the road in and around the house or in any place. Standing water in containers must be thrown out, said DGHS.   Flower pots, plastic containers, abandoned tyres, plastic drums, clay pots, buckets, discarded coconut shells, and battery cells should be dry so that the Aedes mosquitoes cannot lay eggs in these. Unused containers should be turned aside and mosquito nets should be used during the day and night. Nearest healthcare centre should be contacted if someone is infected with dengue. Best Foods to Increase Platelets in Dengue Fever Meanwhile, seven more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Tuesday morning – the highest single-day casualties from the mosquito-borne disease this year. The new casualties have raised the number of dengue fatalities in Bangladesh to 83 this year. During the period, 1,054 more patients – highest single-day tally reported this year – were hospitalised with the viral fever, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). So far, the DGHS has recorded 14,897 dengue cases, 11,511 recoveries. According to DGHS tally, Bangladesh has recorded 70 out of 83 dengue casualties in the months of June and July.    

Two more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Monday morning, raising the fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 36 this year. During the period, 323 more patients were hospitalised with the viral fever, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Bangladesh reports 39 more dengue casesOf the new patients, 260 were admitted to hospitals in Dhaka and the rest outside it. 1158 patients, including 914 in the capital, are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country. So far, the DGHS has recorded 5, 231 dengue cases, 4,037 recoveries this year. One more dengue patient dies in 24hrs; 285 hospitalised The country logged 281 dengue deaths in 2022 – the highest on record after 179 deaths recorded in 2019. Also, it recorded 62,423 dengue cases and 61,971 recoveries last year.  

The number of patients, infected with dengue, is five times higher than previous year in the past five months, said Bangladesh's Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Monday (May 29, 2023). “A total of 1704 people have been infected with dengue in the past five months till May 28 and during this period 13 people died,” he said while speaking at a press briefing over Covid-19 vaccine at the Secretariat. The Director General of Health Services has taken steps to control dengue as the authorities concerned are conducting dengue surveys and reports of the survey have been submitted to the two city corporations, he said. Already a separate ward and corner has been created for dengue patients in hospitals and 2500 physicians and nurses were given training to tackle dengue, he added. Also read: Dengue numbers keep rising: 72 more cases reported “We have engaged different people including teachers, students and military personnel to make people aware about dengue. Already, steps have been taken to make people aware through posters, banners and advertisements in televisions,” he said. He also urged all to keep their respective houses clean, keep spraying chemicals for eliminating mosquitoes and maintain a healthy life. Talking about the Covid-19 vaccine, the minister said already 30 lakh doses of variant containing vaccines (VCV) under COVAX facilities reached in Bangladesh and it will be administered as 3rd and 4th dose to the people from this week in all city corporations, districts, upazilas and municipality levels across the country, he said. About 88.51% people have been brought under the first dose, 82.18 % under the second dose, 39.62% under 3rd dose and 1.85% under 4th dose, said Maleque. Also read: 80pc people to be vaccinated by March: Zahid Maleque There are no side effects in VCV vaccination and the World Health Organisation (WHO) also gave a positive opinion about it, claimed the minister. The 3rd dose will be administered to people above 18 years while the 4th dose will be given to the people above 60 years or people who have been suffering from long-term diseases, pregnant women and frontline fighters, he said. The 3rd dose will be given after four months of receiving the second dose while the 4th dose will be given four months after receiving the 3rd dose, he added. Prof Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam, director general of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Nazmul Haque Khan, additional secretary (hospital) and high officials of the ministry were present there. Read more: Dengue cases surge: 46 patients hospitalised in 24 hrs

Sixty-seven more people were hospitalised with dengue in 24 hours till Sunday morning as the cases keep rising in the country. Of the new patients, 58 were admitted to hospitals in Dhaka and the rest outside it, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Two-hundred-nine dengue patients, including 180 in the capital, are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country. Also read: Dengue cases surge: 35 patients hospitalised in 24 hrs So far, the DGHS has recorded 1, 771 dengue cases, 1, 549 recoveries, and 13 deaths this year. The country logged 281 dengue deaths in 2022 – the highest on record after 179 deaths recorded in 2019. Also, it recorded 62,423 dengue cases and 61,971 recoveries last year. END/UNB/MAS

Forty-six more people were hospitalised with dengue in 24 hours till Monday morning. Of the new patients, 41 were admitted to hospitals in Dhaka and the rest outside it. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), 162 dengue patients, including 139 in the capital, are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country. So far, the DGHS has recorded 1,533dengue cases, 1,358 recoveries, and 13 deaths this year. The country logged 281 dengue deaths in 2022 – the highest on record after 179 deaths recorded in 2019. Also, it recorded 62,423 dengue cases and 61,971 recoveries last year.