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.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (October 16, 2023) asked the officials concerned to make sure that developments projects don’t impede the free flow of  water bodies, including rivers and canals. “We have to ensure the uninterrupted flow of rivers. Keeping that in mind, we have to carry out our projects and development activities,” she said. The prime minister said this while inaugurating various projects under the ministries of water resources and health. She joined the programme from her official residence, Ganabhaban, through video link. She said that in the name of development it is often seen that all water bodies are filled up. “I think that this is very fulsome. All have to take step to save the water resources whenever any project is taken up or implemented,” she stressed. Hasina also put importance on preserving water during the monsoon season. She put emphasis on continuous capital dredging and maintenance dredging whichever is needed for the water bodies. Read more: Bangladesh is a role model to least development countries: Shahab Uddin The PM also said that the natural flow of the rivers, canals, beels (lake-like wetland) and other water bodies must not be hindered during implementation of any development project. She asked the relevant authorities to ensure having at least one water reservoir in every development project. Mentioning water as the biggest resource for the country, she said that all water bodies must have to be protected. “The nature will flow by its own course, and we have to take steps to save our resources going with that flow,” she said. Read more: Development should prioritise environmental protection over environmental damage: Dr Hossain Zillur Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque and State Minister for Water Resources Ministry Zaheed Farooque also spoke at the programme.

The monsoon season is nearly three months away, but over two lakh residents of Kurigram's five unions are already a worried lot. This is because the much-awaited bridge in Shulkur Bazar shows no sign of completion even after three years.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), Oxfam Bangladesh and Green Delta Insurance Company Ltd have launched a new insurance scheme to protect casual agricultural labourers in Bangladesh from floods during this monsoon.