The government is giving top priority to tackling dengue and has intensified mosquito control efforts across the capital, Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhaowat Hossain said on Wednesday.
He urged citizens to actively cooperate with the ongoing anti-mosquito drives to ensure their effectiveness.
The minister made the remarks while visiting Dhalpur in Dhaka to inspect mosquito control operations and assess the effectiveness of insecticides used by the Dhaka South City Corporation.
“Mosquito infestation has increased alarmingly — that is true. After taking the oath and assuming office, we immediately began working on the necessary precautionary measures,” he said.
He said the government has adopted a series of plans to provide swift relief to city dwellers from the mosquito menace. Alongside strengthening awareness campaigns to prevent dengue, authorities have intensified eradication drives, he added.
The minister said several samples of imported insecticides have been collected and will be tested promptly to determine their effectiveness.
“If the insecticides are found ineffective, alternative measures will be taken,” he said, expressing hope that the products would prove effective and help improve the situation quickly.
Highlighting the importance of public participation, the minister urged residents to keep their surroundings clean and remove stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding.