Barishal: A community dialogue was held in Barishal today to raise public awareness about preventing dengue and curbing the spread of Aedes mosquitoes. District Information Office organised the event at the conference room of the Barishal Divisional Government Public Library under the project titled 'Awareness Communication Activities for the Development of Children, Adolescents and Women', with support from UNICEF Bangladesh.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Director General of the Department of Mass Communication S. M Abdur Rahman attended the programme as the chief guest, while Director Mir Mohammad Aslam Uddin was present as a special guest. In his speech, Abdur Rahman emphasized the importance of raising awareness at individual, family, and community levels to prevent dengue. He urged people to destroy Aedes breeding grounds, maintain clean and hygienic surroundings, and seek medical advice promptly if dengue symptoms appear. Additionally, he called for increased awareness and urged people not to discriminate against dengue patients.
Representatives of voluntary and youth organisations highlighted that government initiatives alone are insufficient to address dengue and called for active public participation. They stressed the necessity of coordinated efforts by families, educational institutions, media, local organisations, and communities to spread awareness effectively. Voluntary organizations such as Ahar, Chihno, SNDC, and Lal-Shobuj participated in the event, conducting cleaning drives and community sessions in different upazilas of Barishal.
An awareness video on dengue prevention was screened at the event, along with a special video message from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on dengue prevention.