United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh recorded three more deaths from dengue and 251 new cases in  24 hours until 8:00am on Wednesday. With the latest fatality, the dengue death toll has risen to 22 this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The new deaths were reported in the Dhaka North City Corporation, Khulna and Barishal divisions, it said. With the latest admissions, the total number of dengue cases reported in the country this year has reached 7, 557. In 2025, Bangladesh reported 102,861 dengue cases and 413 dengue-related deaths.

Bangladesh recorded one death from dengue fever and 198 new cases in the 24 hours until 8:00am on Thursday. With the latest fatality, the dengue death toll has risen to 13 this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The new death was reported in the Mymensingh division, it said. With the latest admissions, the total number of dengue cases reported in the country this year has reached 5,515. According to the DGHS, 63.6 percent of this year’s dengue patients are males, while 36.4 percent are females. In 2025, Bangladesh reported 102,861 dengue cases and 413 dengue-related deaths.

Bangladesh has recorded two more deaths from dengue and 157 new cases in 24 hours until 8:00am on Wednesday. With the latest fatalities, the dengue death toll has risen to 12 this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The new deaths were reported in Mymensingh division, it said. With the new cases, the total number of dengue cases reported in the country this year has reached 5,317. According to the DGHS, 62.1 percent of this year’s dengue patients are male while 37.9 percent are female. Bangladesh reported 102,861 dengue cases and 413 dengue-related deaths in 2025, it said.

One death was reported from dengue in the 24 hours until Tuesday  morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 10 this year. During the period, 139 more patients were hospitalised with the viral fever, raising the total infections to 5,039, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The new death was reported in the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) area, it said. According to the DGHS, 56.8% of this year’s dengue patients are male while 43.2% are female. Bangladesh reported 102,861 dengue cases and 413 dengue-related deaths in 2025, it said.

Two deaths were reported from dengue in the 24 hours until Sunday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to nine this year. During the period, 220 more patients were hospitalised with the viral fever, raising the total infections to 4,900, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The new deaths were reported in the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) area and Barishal division, it said. According to the DGHS, 60% of this year’s dengue patients are males, while 40% are females. Bangladesh reported 102,861 dengue cases and 413 dengue-related deaths in 2025, it said.  

As Bangladesh struggles to contain its worst measles outbreak in years, a fresh surge in dengue infections is raising concerns among citizens and health experts over the country’s capacity to handle two major public health threats simultaneously. The death of another dengue patient on June 1 and detection of 110 new cases across the country have sparked fears that the mosquito-borne disease is once again gathering momentum ahead of the monsoon. The latest fatality, reported from Khulna City Corporation, brought this year’s dengue death toll to six, while the total number of infections climbed to 3,307, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The death was reported at a time when the country’s healthcare system is already under immense strain from a widespread measles outbreak that has infected tens of thousands of children and claimed hundreds of lives since March. A healthcare system under pressure Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has reported 529 suspected and 91 confirmed deaths (total 620 deaths) from measles and related symptoms since March 15. It also reported 64,263 suspected measles cases and 9,686 laboratory-confirmed infections . Hospitals across the country, particularly paediatric units, have been struggling to cope with the influx of patients requiring intensive care, isolation facilities, ventilatory support and infection-control management. Media reports have showed the growing financial strain on families caring for measles patients, particularly children requiring hospitalisation. While treatment costs are relatively lower at government hospitals, many families face significantly higher expenses when patients must be transferred between multiple healthcare facilities. The burden is even greater for those seeking care in private hospitals. Relatives of patients said that government hospitals often experience shortages of essential medicines, forcing families to purchase them from private pharmacies. In addition, patients frequently require a range of diagnostic tests, adding to overall treatment costs. Transportation expenses can also rise when patients are referred from one hospital to another while food and other daily necessities further increase the financial burden. Bangladesh continues to have one of the highest levels of out-of-pocket healthcare spending, meaning many people without adequate financial resources struggle to access necessary medical care. Speaking at the launch of an annual report in July 2025, UNFPA Representative in Bangladesh Catherine Breen Kamkong said that government spending on health remains low, accounting for only 0.7 percent of GDP and 2 percent of the national budget. She expressed hope that these allocations would increase to 5 percent of GDP and 15 percent of the national budget, emphasiing that improving the nation's health is essential for unlocking Bangladesh's future potential. A study conducted by Dr. Abdur Razzaque Sarker of BIDS found that out-of-pocket spending remains the dominant source of healthcare financing in Bangladesh, accounting for 79 percent of total health expenditure in 2024. Public health specialists warn that the emergence of dengue at this critical moment could create a dual burden that may test the resilience of the healthcare system. Lessons from the past Bangladesh has witnessed several devastating dengue outbreaks over the past decade. In 2025 alone, the country recorded 102,861 dengue infections and 413 deaths, making it one of the deadliest years on record. The disease, once largely concentrated in Dhaka, has increasingly spread across districts, reflecting changing mosquito breeding patterns, rapid urbanisation, inadequate waste management and climate-related factors. Health experts have repeatedly warned that warmer temperatures, erratic rainfall and prolonged humid conditions are creating ideal environments for the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, the primary carrier of dengue. Unlike measles, for which vaccines offer strong protection, dengue prevention depends heavily on vector control, public awareness and early detection. Government steps up preparations Recognising the potential threat, the government has begun preparations months before the expected seasonal surge. Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain on Monday said dengue corners are being established at upazila health complexes nationwide to strengthen treatment capacity. “We do not want to waste any time. We are making all-out preparation to combat dengue,” the minister said while chairing a meeting on dengue preparedness. Authorities have also kept a field hospital ready on the premises of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and indicated that additional field hospitals could be established if necessary. Training programmes for doctors and nurses are set to begin across all seven divisions and district-level facilities with support from the Bangladesh Society of Medicine, UNICEF and other development partners. The government said it has already stocked essential supplies, including diagnostic reagents, testing kits and saline solutions, while additional procurement is being planned. Officials also claim that efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds have been underway in cooperation with city corporations for the past two months. Besides, the government has directed private hospitals across the country to provide free treatment to dengue patients in at least 10 percent of their beds. “Under the new directive, private hospitals will reserve 10 percent of their beds for dengue patients and waive doctors' consultation fees for those receiving treatment. Patients will only have to bear the costs of medicines and meals, , said Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain at an event recently. Besides, private hospitals have been asked to offer discounts of up to 80 percent on diagnostic tests for dengue patients. A pre-monsoon survey conducted by the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has identified 63 of its 75 wards as having Aedes mosquito densities above the acceptable threshold, while 27 wards have been classified as highly vulnerable to dengue outbreaks. The survey was conducted from May 12 to May 23 by a 36-member team from DSCC and the Communicable Disease Control (CDC) unit of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The global dengue challenge Bangladesh’s concerns mirror a broader global trend. The World Health Organization has repeatedly warned that dengue is spreading faster than ever before, fuelled by climate change, rapid urban growth, population movement and inadequate vector control measures. More than half of the world’s population now lives in areas at risk of dengue transmission. Countries across Asia and Latin America have reported record outbreaks in recent years, overwhelming health systems and increasing mortality rates. South Asia remains particularly vulnerable due to dense populations, seasonal monsoon patterns and challenges in urban planning and sanitation. Public health experts note that Bangladesh’s geographical and climatic conditions place it among the countries most exposed to recurring dengue outbreaks. Are preparations enough? While Bangladesh health authorities insist that lessons from previous outbreaks have informed this year’s preparations, questions remain over whether preventive measures can be effectively implemented at the local level. Experts argue that dengue control cannot rely solely on hospitals and treatment facilities. Entomologist Prof. Kabirul Bashar said, “With a widespread measles outbreak already straining the health system and dengue cases on the rise, the current measures are not enough.” Emphasising the need to address the root causes behind the outbreaks, Bashar said it is encouraging that the authorities are working to raise public awareness alongside seasonal efforts to curb disease transmission. “However, the government needs regular monitoring and sustained supervision to slow down the trend,” he said. He stressed that stricter actions and stronger implementation efforts are necessary to improve the situation.“The government takes decisions, but field-level officials must remain active to ensure timely measles vaccination and early mosquito control measures, including fogging operations for dengue prevention,” he said. Prof Bashar said many initiatives fail to achieve their intended outcomes because of irregular supervision and inadequate preparation. Terming the government's recent dengue-control initiatives as a positive step, he said such measures may provide some immediate relief. “These initiatives can produce short-term results. However, if such efforts become routine, year-round activities rather than seasonal responses, they will have a much greater impact in preventing the surge of dengue and other infectious diseases,” Prof Bashar added.    

A pre-monsoon survey conducted by the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has identified 63 of its 75 wards as having Aedes mosquito densities above the acceptable threshold, while 27 wards have been classified as highly vulnerable to dengue outbreaks. DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam revealed the findings during a presentation of the pre-monsoon Aedes larvae survey and an action plan at Nagar Bhaban. The survey was conducted from May 12 to May 23 by a 36-member team from DSCC and the Communicable Disease Control (CDC) unit of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Data were collected from 2,250 households using the digital KoboToolbox platform. According to the survey, Aedes larvae and pupae were found in 281 households across the city corporation area. Among the affected premises, the highest proportion of larvae was detected in multi-storey buildings, accounting for 35.23 percent of the total, followed by single-family houses (27.76 percent), under-construction buildings (17.44 percent), and semi-pucca houses (14.59 percent). The survey also identified the most common breeding sites. Stagnant water accumulated on floors accounted for 12.26 percent of breeding grounds, followed by buckets (10.34 percent) and plastic drums (8.89 percent). To tackle the growing risk, DSCC will launch a five-day special crash programme from June 7 in the 27 wards identified as the most vulnerable. The initiative will be jointly implemented by the city corporation’s health and waste management departments. A similar programme will be carried out the following week in 36 wards classified as moderately vulnerable. As part of public awareness efforts, DSCC will organise a rally against dengue and chikungunya from Rabindra Sarobar in Dhanmondi on June 6. Similar campaigns will later be held in other parts of the city. Speaking at the event, Abdus Salam stressed that dengue prevention cannot be ensured through government initiatives alone. “Active participation of citizens is essential. Residents must keep their homes and workplaces clean and remove stagnant water every three days to prevent mosquito breeding,” he said. He also called on media professionals to disseminate accurate information to strengthen public awareness and support dengue prevention efforts.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Abdus Salam on Monday announced that the first Saturday of every month will be observed as ‘Cleaning Day’ across DSCC areas to prevent Aedes mosquito-borne diseases including dengue and to ensure a cleaner city environment. The first official ‘Cleaning Day’ will be observed on May 9 across DSCC areas. The decision was announced at a view-exchange meeting held at Nagar Bhaban conference room. As per the meeting decisions, all government offices, residential quarters, educational institutions (schools, colleges, madrashas), areas under RAJUK and REHAB, as well as privately owned premises within DSCC jurisdiction, will conduct cleanliness drives and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds on their own initiatives. Besides, directives have been issued to ensure the highest level of professionalism in mosquito control activities, including maintaining the quality of insecticides, proper application methods, monitoring, and training of field workers. The DSCC Administrator said, “Public awareness and cleanliness are our main tools in preventing dengue and chikungunya. If both public and private institutions along with citizens keep their surroundings clean, it will be possible to eliminate mosquito-borne diseases. No negligence in mosquito control activities by DSCC will be tolerated.” He also urged media representatives to broadcast awareness messages on dengue and chikungunya prevention alongside commercial programmes in the greater public interest. Representatives from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Dhaka Medical College (DMC), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Islamic Foundation, RAJUK, Bangladesh Railway, REHAB, Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, and Jagannath University, among others, were present at the meeting. DSCC Chief Executive Officer Md. Zahurul Islam and other senior officials were also present.

Local Government, Rural Development (LGRD) and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday outlined a comprehensive action plan in Parliament for Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) to tackle waterlogging and mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue, ahead of the monsoon season. Responding to a tabled question from BNP lawmaker Md Abul Kalam, the minister said the strategies emphasise strengthened surveillance, public participation and modern pest control methods. He said the DNCC has taken steps like control of Culex mosquitoes during the pre-monsoon season (March-May) and Aedes mosquitoes during the monsoon season, identification of risky areas and integrated mosquito control activities, strengthening the surveillance system and increasing public awareness and public involvement. It has also undertaken necessary coordination with relevant government institutions to strengthen mosquito control efforts. These measures include morning larviciding, removal and destruction of mosquito breeding grounds, and evening fogging operations aimed at eradicating Culex mosquitoes. Joint mosquito control drives are being conducted in high-risk hotspots such as closed canals, drains, and sewers. Additionally, the DNCC has cleaned approximately 6,000 bighas of water bodies across its jurisdiction. Under the slogan “Saturday’s Promise: Let’s Clean Our Own Homes,” the DNCC is conducting weekly cleanliness drives in 25 high-risk wards every Saturday from 8:00am to 12:00pm, based on guidance from the Directorate General of Health Services and the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research. These activities are ongoing in accordance with the established work plan. Fakhrul stated that the DNCC is also focusing on raising public awareness about dengue and eliminating mosquito breeding sites in vulnerable areas. As part of this initiative, a special initiative titled “Operation Clean Home: Healthy Lives” is being implemented in 25 dengue-prone wards from April 8, with activities continuing as planned. Furthermore, through hospital surveillance, the city corporation is collecting the residential addresses of dengue patients and deploying Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to carry out targeted mosquito control measures at those locations. This activity has been in operation since April 21, 2026. In addition to the chemical pesticides currently used, the more effective organic pesticide Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis (BTI) is under the procurement process after trial application. To verify the quality of pesticides used by DNCC, pesticide testing activities are ongoing on a random basis by five reputable government/private organisations. New stickers/leaflets, booklets are being prepared for public awareness and public involvement, which are ongoing. Provision of precautionary bulk SMS during the monsoon season and OTV school promotion activities are also ongoing. The proper use of pesticides has been ensured as per the guidelines of the Technical Committee of the Local Government Division and the effectiveness is being tested regularly. Steps taken by DSCC As part of the waterlogging and dengue control activities during the upcoming monsoon season, the DSCC is conducting special cleaning and mosquito extermination campaigns every week in every area by involving the local people. In addition to waste management, mosquito repellent spraying activities are continuing every morning and evening to control dengue. Moreover, a monitoring team has been formed with officers to control mosquitoes in the DSCC areas. Under the supervision of the monitoring team, a special crash programme is being conducted by identifying risky places. Mobile court drives are being conducted in risky places to control dengue and fines are being imposed if necessary. Leaflet distribution/miking activities are underway in various educational institutions, religious establishments, markets, etc. to increase public awareness. In addition, publicity in this regard is continuing in print and electronic media. To reduce waterlogging during the season, cleaning activities are underway by identifying hotspots under short-term activities. Segunbagicha box culvert, Zia Sarani and Kajla canal cleaning activities are already being implemented. Cleaning work of other canals, box-culverts and sewers will be implemented in phases. Six portable pumps have already been purchased to remove rainwater from waterlogging areas quickly. Currently, water from the DSCC areas is being drained through three outlets. Activities to construct one more outlet are underway and a plan has been taken to construct one new outlet (large sewer) from Gulistan to Sadarghat section with World Bank funding. A plan has been taken to construct the required number of outlets after conducting a survey and feasibility study by engaging a consulting firm. If the overall action plan is implemented, waterlogging will be reduced in the upcoming monsoon season. It is hoped that it will be possible to control dengue, chikungunya and other mosquito-borne diseases, the minister said.

Residents across Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) are struggling with an unrelenting mosquito infestation, facing bites day and night with little respite even inside their homes. The worsening situation has reignited concerns over a potential spike in dengue cases during the winter months. Despite SCC spending crores of taka every year on mosquito-control programmes, residents say the efforts have produced no visible improvement, prompting serious questions about the effectiveness of the city authority. According to SCC data, Tk 2.26 crore was allocated for mosquito eradication in the fiscal year 2025–26 — the same amount spent in the previous fiscal year. Read more: Naogaon residents battle dengue surge as urban services falter The funds were used to purchase 4,000 litres of larvicide (Temephos 50 EC) and 25,000 litres of adulticide (Malathion 57 EC) from the Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory. Yet residents insist the services remain grossly inadequate. Many complain that fogging machines appear on the streets only occasionally — sometimes just once or twice a year — leaving several neighbourhoods completely untouched.  The organisation does not have a permanent mosquito-control workforce and instead relies on daily wage earners hired seasonally.  While officials maintain that 30–40 workers are deployed regularly, citizens argue that the efforts make little difference. As the mosquito menace intensifies, dengue infections are also creeping up in Sylhet.  Two people have died of dengue this year, and new cases are being reported every day.  Although SCC claims most of the infected patients are from outside the city, anxiety among residents is rising. Young adults hit hard as Bangladesh logs 593 dengue cases, 3 deaths At the Central Shaheed Minar area, college student Sumon Shawon said even standing outdoors in the evening has become unbearable. “We came here for a chat but within minutes the mosquitoes swarmed us. It’s impossible to sit or talk,” he said, calling for urgent larvicide treatment of drains and stagnant water. Read more: Bangladesh sees October as worst month for dengue deaths Apu, a resident of ward No-17, echoed the frustration, saying the situation is fuelling widespread fear. “There’s fever and cold everywhere. We can’t even tell which is dengue and which is normal flu. Mosquito bites are leaving rashes and allergies, causing more illness,” he said. SCC’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Md Zahidul Islam, admitted the crisis in manpower.  He said around 45 mosquito-control workers and seven supervisors are engaged daily, but the number falls far short of requirements. Ideally, each ward should have four to five workers and a supervisor.  With 42 wards under its jurisdiction, SCC would need more than 200 staff — a capacity the organisation cannot afford due to financial constraints. He said although SCC has recommended permanent recruitment since 2021, various complications have stalled progress. Dr Zahidul pointed out that instead of the monthly insecticide treatments recommended for effective control, the city manages to spray only two to three times a year, resulting in minimal, short-lived benefits. Emphasising the role of public awareness, he said complete mosquito control is impossible without active citizen participation. “If people cooperate, even one or two planned operations a year would be enough. Otherwise, the large amount spent on insecticides will simply go to waste,” he warned. As of 4 December this year, Bangladesh has recorded 394 deaths from dengue nationwide.  During the same period, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) registered 96,627 dengue-affected cases. Read more: Barguna battles relentless dengue surge even in winter