United News of Bangladesh

Dhaka's mosquito infestation has reached an alarming level, sparking fears of the worst dengue outbreak in years as the monsoon season approaches, despite a hefty Tk 200 crore allocation for mosquito control. Experts warn that the absence of a year-round strategy is exacerbating the crisis, making a swift resolution unlikely. Daily Life Under Siege From homes and offices to schools and mosques, mosquitoes have infiltrated every corner of the capital. The situation is particularly unbearable during Ramadan, disrupting Iftar and Sehri for millions. Shafiqul Islam, a resident of Bashundhara, shared his ordeal: “Mosquitoes swarm before dusk and persist all night. Despite trying various repellents, we can’t escape them. We shut our doors and windows early, yet even the tiniest gap allows them in.” Previously, ward councillors oversaw mosquito control efforts and waste management. However, following the ouster of the then government on August 5, they have gone into hiding. Residents claim this has left a governance vacuum, with an administrative cadre officer now overseeing multiple wards, limiting on-ground monitoring. Low-Lying Areas Hit Hardest Jahangirnagar University: Students struggle as mosquitoes take over The worst-affected areas include Uttara, Dakkhinkhan, Bashundhara, Mirpur, Kamrangirchar, Aminbazar, Mohammadpur, Bosila, Shanir Akhra and Dholaipar. Stagnant water in drains, ponds, and canals has created the perfect breeding ground for Culex mosquitoes. Moinuddin, a resident of Rampura, voiced his frustration: “Every year, mosquitoes make life miserable, but this time, it’s worse. We pay taxes, yet mosquito control services remain ineffective.” Budget Allocation vs. Reality For the 2024-25 fiscal year, the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has allocated Tk 111 crore for mosquito control, with a similar budget from Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). However, many residents argue that the situation is deteriorating rather than improving. They stress the need for year-round interventions, including efficient spraying and enhanced waste management, to curb mosquito breeding. Experts Raise the Alarm Dr. Kabirul Bashar, a zoology professor at Jahangirnagar University, warned that the current mosquito surge had been predicted in a January study. “Our research anticipated a spike in mosquito numbers in February and March, and the evidence is now clear. If mosquito control was maintained throughout the year, the infestation wouldn’t have reached this level,” he said. Dhaka’s mosquito menace spirals out of control; frustration mounts Dr. Bashar revealed alarming figures: mosquito larvae density has soared from 12-17 per dip last year to over 87 this year. Similarly, the density of flying mosquitoes per person per hour has jumped from 25 to over 300. City Corporations’ Response DNCC CEO Abu Sayeed Md. Kamruzzaman insisted that efforts are underway, with regional officials directed to spray pesticides regularly. However, he emphasised that public cooperation is crucial in eliminating breeding grounds. Brigadier General Imrul Kayes Chowdhury, DNCC’s Chief Health Officer, pointed out that mosquito control requires more than just pesticide spraying. “Stagnant water in drains, ponds, sewers, and canals is a major contributor to the rising mosquito population,” he noted. He added that technical teams and task forces have been formed to assess pesticide effectiveness and recommend improvements. DSCC CEO Dr. Md. Zillur Rahman stated, “We are consistently spraying repellents in all wards. With mosquito numbers peaking during monsoon, we are intensifying proactive measures.” Dr. Nishat Parveen, DSCC’s Chief Health Officer, reiterated that pre-monsoon efforts are being ramped up to contain mosquito infestations. Time for Decisive Action Adviser Hassan Ariff calls for expert involvement in mosquito control Dhaka is at a breaking point. Experts caution that piecemeal solutions are no longer sufficient. Unless authorities implement advanced mosquito control strategies and deploy potent pesticides, a severe public health disaster is imminent. With dengue season fast approaching, only immediate, well-coordinated action can prevent the crisis from spiralling out of control.

Tormented by mosquito menace, the city dwellers continue to blame the city authorities for not doing enough to save them from mosquito-borne diseases, particularly Dengue. The mosquito menace is a major issue in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) as elsewhere in the capital. Despite DSCC's claim of conducting mosquito control drives regularly, the city dwellers are not getting relief from the torment of mosquitoes. According to residents of DSCC, the city corporation has not been able to destroy the breeding grounds of mosquitoes. Like the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), the people in the south city area have failed to protect themselves even after using mosquito nets, mosquito coils, electric bats, and mosquito repellent sprays. The problem during the daytime is relatively tolerable but it becomes unbearable at night in home, office-court, educational institutions. Read: DSCC conducts drive against Aedes mosquito as dengue cases rise The city’s worst-hit areas include Malibagh, Rampura, Banasree, Meradia, Goran, Khilgaon, Jatrabari, Sayedabad, Dhanmondi, Old Dhaka, Fakirapul, Arambagh, Paltan, Motijheel, Kamalapur, Maniknagar, Basabo, Mugda, Khilgaon, Dholaikhal, Kuril, Mir Hajaribag, Shyampur, Kamrangirchar, Sutrapur, Mohammadpur and Hazaribagh.

For almost a year the Masjid road in Nurerchala area of Bhatara in the city has remained under filthy and stinky water causing untold sufferings to the residents living along the road. The stench from the stagnant water, a mixture of sewage and human waste, has made the living unbearable as many residents, including children are forced to wade through the submerged road for lack of rickshaws and other transports which avoid the area. Unexpected accidents often occur as the road under water is full of potholes. Read: Dhaka can’t take a break from waterlogging; intense rains drown many roads Sewage contaminates the stagnant water because of the poor drainage system resulting in greater health risk for the residents. Skin diseases caused by contaminated water area common among the inhabitants. Mosquito menace them too. This waterlogging has forced many shops and businesses in this area to be closed. However, locals said the city authorities have no concern regarding their miserable living. Read: Heavy rains lead to horrific waterlogging in parts of Chattogram A UNB photojournalist captured in his frames a part of the everyday miseries endured by the locals in the area.

The city corporations of the country do not have an entomologist on their payroll yet, although their research is crucial for controlling the mosquito population.

As the fear of possible dengue and chikungunya outbreak has gripped the residents of Dhaka amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has assured all of taking effective programmes to deal with the problem.  

No new dengue case was  reported in the last 24 hours until 8am on Friday, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) on Thursday sprayed its anti-mosquito fogger in 20 hospitals to minimize the health risks to medical professionals and patients.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) on Tuesday sprayed its anti-mosquito fogger in 31 hospitals to minimize the health risks to medical professionals and patients.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) on Monday sprayed its anti-mosquito fogger in 34 hospitals to minimize the health risks of medical professionals.