Residents of Chattogram are grappling with a sharp rise in mosquito infestations alongside frequent power cuts, compounding discomfort during an ongoing spell of intense heat and disrupting daily life across the port city.
The twin menace has left households, businesses and educational institutions struggling to function, with residents reporting that conditions worsen markedly after dusk, when mosquito activity peaks and electricity outages become more frequent.
“Mosquitoes are present throughout the day, but the situation becomes unbearable after evening,” said Fahima Begum, a resident of Halishahar. “If we do not shut our windows before dusk, it becomes impossible to stay at night.”
Across neighbourhoods, residents said conventional remedies such as coils, aerosols and electric bats have failed to provide relief. Many families have resorted to using mosquito nets even during the daytime, restricting movement inside homes.
Health concerns are also mounting, with fears of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases increasing as infestations intensify. Children, the elderly and those with existing illnesses are reported to be the worst affected.
The situation has been exacerbated by irregular electricity supply, which has left fans and cooling systems inoperable during peak hours. Power cuts occurring multiple times a day – and often at night – have further worsened the mosquito problem and disrupted sleep.
“I have not been able to sleep properly for two weeks,” said Monirul Kabir, a resident of Akbar Shah. “After a full day’s work, there is no relief at night. Sometimes electricity goes out in the middle of the night and does not return until morning.”
Ummay Saida, a resident of Kotwali, said vulnerable family members were bearing the brunt. “We have children and elderly people at home. With mosquitoes and load shedding together, life has become very difficult.”
Authorities say efforts are underway to contain the situation, though challenges remain.
The Chattogram City Corporation has launched a “crash programme” across all 41 wards, deploying larvicides in the morning and adulticides in the evening. Chief Conservancy Officer Captain Ikhtiar Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury said the corporation was using BTI as a larvicide and deltamethrin to target adult mosquitoes.
However, he acknowledged that changing mosquito behaviour and possible resistance to chemicals were complicating control efforts. “We are monitoring the situation and will adjust our methods if necessary,” he said.
Power shortages, meanwhile, have intensified since mid-April. Officials at the Bangladesh Power Development Board said supply from the national grid had dropped significantly.
Chattogram typically receives between 1,300 and 1,500 megawatts of electricity, but current supply has fallen to around 900 to 1,000 megawatts, leading to widespread load shedding.
AKM Jasim Uddin, supervising engineer of the board’s Chattogram Operations and Maintenance Circle (East), said the city was experiencing a shortfall of 200 to 300 megawatts over the past week.
“Load shedding is taking place around the clock in different areas,” he said. “We have not yet received any directive on a fixed rationing schedule.”
With no immediate improvement in sight, residents fear the combined pressure of heat, power outages and mosquito nuisance could further strain public health and urban life in the coming weeks.
