Local Government and Rural Development Minister Md Tajul Islam has directed officials concerned to take effective steps to eradicate different species of mosquitoes, such as Aedes, Culex and Anopheles.
He made the remarks virtually during the eighth inter-ministerial review meeting on the countrywide anti-dengue activities on Thursday.
While addressing the meeting, the minister said: "Through our efforts, we have been able to control dengue. We have provided effective medicine, manpower and equipment in this regard."
“However, there are reports that suggest that other species of mosquitoes have been breeding rapidly.”
Mentioning that mosquitoes had grown immune to the insecticides currently being used, the minister said that there was a need to buy new insecticides.
A proper monitoring of anti-dengue activities was also very important in the fight against mosquitoes, he added.
“Countries such as Singapore, Thailand and Japan also have mosquitoes. By successfully destroying mosquito breeding grounds, we have been able to bring mosquito outbreaks under control just like the developing nations.”
The LGRD minister also claimed that the predictions made regarding the dengue situation in the country had been proved wrong.
Later in his address, he praised the two Dhaka mayors for their effective initiatives and efforts to eradicate mosquitoes from the capital.
The minister said: “If the Dhaka canals are kept clean and tidy, people here will benefit from it as the mosquito situation will come under control.”
In order to accomplish anything important, one should not wait for instructions but work on one's own initiative, said Md Tajul Islam, adding that if everyone worked together, no work would remain a challenge.
Among others, the mayors of different city corporations and officials of the relevant government bodies attended the meeting.