THE prime minister’s call for a nationwide cleanliness campaign to head off dengue and chikungunya is welcome at a time when mosquito-borne diseases continue to threaten public health. The announcement of a weekly cleanliness drive beginning on March 14, along with the appeal to citizens and public representatives to maintain hygienic surrounding, reflects an understanding that prevention remains the most effective defence against the diseases. Such awareness campaigns are particularly necessary now as health experts warn that dengue is no longer confined to the monsoon season but has effectively become a year-round threat. The urgency of preventive measures is further underscored by the growing mosquito density in Dhaka. North city authorities have already acknowledged that mosquito density in their jurisdiction rose by about 30 per cent in February compared with the previous month. Dhaka residents also report a noticeable surge in mosquito presence, signalling that vector-control efforts remain insufficient. In such circumstances, a coordinated cleanliness campaign that encourages households to eliminate stagnant water in flowerpots, containers, tyres and rooftops is a step in the right direction. Public participation, after all, is crucial in reducing mosquito breeding grounds.
Yet, while the initiative deserves appreciation, the effectiveness of such a campaign will ultimately depend on whether it leads to sustained and systematic action by the authorities concerned rather than remaining a temporary drive prompted by a high-level directive. Routine public health measures, including cleanliness drives and mosquito control operations, should be part of regular responsibilities of local government agencies. They should not require a signal from the prime minister to begin functioning effectively. The tendency for administrative machinery to wait for direction from the highest office was a defining feature of the rule of the Awami League government, when virtually every major action seemed to require the prime minister’s instruction. Such a culture of centralised command weakens institutions and discourages initiative at the local level. The government should, however, establish a comprehensive dengue control mechanism. Bangladesh recorded 412 dengue-related deaths out of more than 102,000 cases in 2025, marking the second consecutive year when the cases exceeded 100,000. The situation becomes even more alarming when viewed alongside the devastating toll of previous years, including 1,705 deaths in 2023 and 575 in 2024. What is also concerning is that while the infection has spread widely outside Dhaka in recent years, control measures beyond the capital have remained inadequate.
The authorities must, therefore, design a nationwide strategy, combining scientific surveillance of mosquito population, systematic identification and elimination of breeding sites, improved waste management, regular larviciding and fogging and sustained public awareness campaigns. The authorities must also invest in research on the effectiveness of insecticides. Without coordinated and continuous measures, the risk for a severe dengue season remains.
