Dhaka: Local Government, Rural Development (LGRD) and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir presented a detailed action plan in Parliament on Monday targeting waterlogging and mosquito-borne diseases in Dhaka, particularly dengue, as the city braces for the upcoming monsoon season.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister responded to a query from BNP lawmaker Md Abul Kalam, outlining strategies that focus on enhanced surveillance, community engagement, and modern pest control techniques. The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has initiated efforts to control Culex mosquitoes in the pre-monsoon period and Aedes mosquitoes during the monsoon, identifying high-risk areas for integrated mosquito control activities. The plan also includes bolstering the surveillance system and amplifying public awareness and participation.
Coordination with government bodies is underway to reinforce mosquito control measures, including morning larviciding, destruction of breeding sites, and evening fogging operations. High-risk zones like closed canals, drains, and sewers are targeted with joint mosquito control initiatives. The DNCC has cleared approximately 6,000 bighas of water bodies within its area.
The DNCC has launched a weekly cleanliness campaign under the slogan ‘Saturday’s Promise: Let’s Clean Our Own Homes,’ targeting 25 high-risk wards. These drives occur every Saturday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, following guidelines from health authorities. The ‘Operation Clean Home: Healthy Lives’ initiative also aims to eliminate breeding sites in dengue-prone areas, with ongoing activities since April 8.
Hospital surveillance aids in collecting dengue patients’ residential addresses, enabling Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to implement targeted mosquito control actions. This effort has been active since April 21, 2026. Organic pesticide Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis (BTI) is being procured following trial applications to complement existing chemical pesticides.
Pesticide quality verification is conducted randomly by several government and private organizations. New informational materials are being developed to boost public awareness, with bulk SMS alerts and school promotions ongoing during the monsoon.
The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) is also conducting weekly cleaning and mosquito extermination campaigns, engaging local communities. Waste management and mosquito repellent spraying continue daily to control dengue. A monitoring team supervises mosquito control operations, executing special crash programs in identified risk areas.
Mobile court actions are taken in risky locations to enforce dengue control, with penalties imposed as necessary. Public awareness is being raised through leaflets, announcements, and media campaigns.
To address waterlogging, the DSCC is cleaning identified hotspots. Initiatives like Segunbagicha box culvert and canal cleaning are in progress, with additional projects planned. Six portable pumps have been acquired to expedite water removal. The DSCC is constructing a new outlet with World Bank funding to enhance water drainage, with further outlets planned following feasibility studies.
The minister expressed optimism that these measures will mitigate waterlogging and control mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya during the monsoon season.