Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced a nationwide cleanliness campaign starting on Saturday to protect the public from the threat of dengue and chikungunya.
In a special video message addressed to the nation on Wednesday, the prime minister urged citizens to adopt preventive measures against these life-threatening diseases.
Stressing the importance of public awareness, Tarique stated that while experts identify the Aedes mosquito as the carrier of dengue and chikungunya, the diseases can be avoided through collective vigilance.
He noted that although the prevalence of dengue was traditionally highest during the monsoon season from June to October, public health experts now warn that the risk is no longer limited to a specific season.
Stagnant water can become a breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes in as little as three days.
Following the advice of entomologists and health experts, the prime minister emphasised that the most effective way to control mosquito breeding is to ensure that stagnant water does not accumulate in drains, ditches, or sewers.
He specifically urged citizens to ensure that water does not collect in flower pots, drums, buckets, abandoned tyres, or on the roofs of houses. He also stressed the necessity of keeping water tanks covered and cleaning the interior and exterior of homes at least once a week.
The upcoming campaign will be supported by effective initiatives from local administrations. The prime minister called upon Members of Parliament and all public representatives to lead these weekly Saturday cleanliness drives in their respective areas alongside the general public.
Reiterating the core principle of the government’s National Health Policy – “prevention is better than cure” – the prime minister concluded by urging everyone to maintain clean surroundings to protect themselves and others from Aedes-borne illnesses.
