A deeply unfortunate piece of news has been circulating across various print and electronic media: Commerce Ministry Secretary Mahbubur Rahman has passed away after being infected with malaria. It is also known that he had other underlying health complications in addition to malaria.
While our research and surveillance have detected the presence of the malaria vector Anopheles mosquito in Dhaka, there is very limited evidence of active transmission of malaria parasites in the city.
This raises an important question, where and how did he contract the infection?
According to the World Health Organization World Malaria Report 2025, there were an estimated 282 million malaria cases and 610,000 deaths globally in 2024. This represents an increase of about 9 million (3%) cases and 12,000 deaths compared to 2023.
The majority of these deaths occurred among children and pregnant women in low-income countries in Africa and Asia. Although malaria incidence in Bangladesh has declined significantly, it remains a serious public health concern in the remote and border areas of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. In this context, the death of a high-ranking government official further heightens concern.
The history of malaria is deeply intertwined with the history of human civilization. Scientists have identified malaria parasites in mosquito fossils dating back 30 million years. DNA of malaria parasites has been detected in Egyptian mummies from around 3200 BCE.
The Greek physician Hippocrates first described the clinical symptoms of malaria. From ancient times through the colonial era, malaria has influenced the course of global history, contributing to events such as the decline of the Roman Empire and affecting European colonies.
In 1880, Charles Louis Alphonse Laveran identified the Plasmodium parasite, and in 1897, Ronald Ross demonstrated that malaria is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes.
Although the discovery of chloroquine and DDT in the 20th century revolutionized malaria control, the disease remains a major threat even in the 21st century. This long history underscores the need for sustained and strengthened efforts to combat malaria.
Bangladesh’s journey in malaria control has seen both progress and setbacks. During the Pakistan period, the use of DDT brought significant success, but its later ban led to a resurgence. Since malaria was declared a national public health problem in 1990, steady improvements have been achieved.
From 84,690 cases and 154 deaths in 2008, the numbers declined to 13,099 cases and only 6 deaths by 2024. In 2025, although cases slightly decreased, 16 deaths were reported.
This remarkable progress is the result of coordinated efforts between government and non-government organizations, including the distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets, rapid diagnosis through microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), and community-based health worker training.
The Insect Rearing and Experimental Station (IRES) of Jahangirnagar University has been conducting long-term research on mosquito density, species diversity, and vector-borne diseases across Bangladesh.
As part of this work, our research team has identified the presence of Anopheles mosquitoes in Dhaka over the past several years. Field surveys have recorded at least six species of Anopheles in the city, some of which are recognized malaria vectors.
However, it is important to note that there is still no clear scientific evidence of local malaria transmission in Dhaka. In other words, despite the presence of vectors, established local transmission has not been confirmed.
Nevertheless, global experience shows that “urban malaria” exists in many cities, often linked to population density, environmental changes, and human mobility.
Considering the recent international travel history of the commerce secretary, and the absence of confirmed local parasite transmission in Dhaka, it is reasonable to assume that he may have acquired the infection abroad.
Since malaria remains endemic in about 13 districts of Bangladesh, there is a potential risk. If an infected person travels from these endemic regions to Dhaka while carrying parasites in their blood, local Anopheles mosquitoes could theoretically transmit the disease.
Therefore, even though local transmission has not been confirmed, the possibility of imported cases leading to future local transmission cannot be ruled out.
Given this reality, more in-depth and systematic research is essential to assess the actual risk of malaria in Dhaka. Particular attention should be given to vectorial capacity, sporozoite rates, and environmental influences.
Without robust scientific evidence, it is not possible to accurately assess risks or develop effective prevention strategies.
In general, preparedness is the cornerstone of controlling any infectious disease, and such preparedness must be grounded in scientific research and evidence.
Therefore, it is crucial to strengthen integrated and evidence-based research efforts on malaria risk in Dhaka to ensure timely and effective response to any future threats.
In the Chittagong Hill Tracts, particularly in Bandarban, Rangamati, and Cox’s Bazar -- malaria remains a significant concern. Cross-border transmission from India and Myanmar continues to pose challenges.
Climate change is further complicating the situation by altering rainfall patterns and temperature, which can increase mosquito breeding and introduce new vector species. Drug-resistant malaria, particularly certain strains of Plasmodium falciparum, is another major concern.
Additionally, limited healthcare access and lack of awareness among indigenous communities hinder elimination efforts. Addressing these challenges requires more proactive and coordinated action.
To achieve the national goal of malaria elimination by 2030, Bangladesh must adopt strategic and integrated measures.
These include the use of advanced vector control technologies such as genetically modified mosquitoes and bio-larvicides, rapid deployment of WHO-approved RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccines, especially for children in high-risk areas, intensified research on drug resistance, expanded health education programs, and strengthened collaboration with international partners.
Public-private partnerships must also be enhanced to ensure a sustainable and coordinated approach.
Malaria is both preventable and treatable. Bangladesh has already achieved remarkable success in controlling the disease, earning international recognition. Continued collaboration among the government, researchers, healthcare workers, development partners, and the general public can pave the way toward a malaria-free Bangladesh.
Prof Dr Kabirul Bashar is an Entomologist and Public Health Specialist affiliated with Jahangirnagar University. Email: [email protected].
