Published: 11:26 PM, 30 September 2026
Irresistible Dengue Outbreak Shows City Corporations' Poor Drive to Kill Mosquitoes
The recurring dengue outbreak in Bangladesh has become a serious public health concern, particularly in Dhaka and other densely populated urban areas. Every year, thousands of people are infected, while hospitals and clinics struggle to cope with the growing number of patients. The persistence of dengue raises a troubling question: why have the city corporations failed to control the mosquito population effectively despite repeated warnings and seasonal campaigns?
Dengue is mainly transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, which breeds in small amounts of stagnant water found around homes, construction sites, rooftops, discarded containers, flowerpots, drains, and other places. Urbanization, inadequate waste management, waterlogging, and unplanned construction provide favorable conditions for mosquito breeding. Although citizens have a responsibility to keep their surroundings clean, city corporations also have a crucial duty to conduct regular mosquito-control operations.
Unfortunately, mosquito-control drives in many areas often appear to be reactive rather than preventive. Authorities frequently intensify spraying and larvicidal activities after dengue cases begin to rise. By then, mosquito breeding may already be widespread. Effective prevention requires continuous monitoring, identification of breeding grounds, removal of stagnant water, and regular application of appropriate mosquito-control measures throughout the year.
The effectiveness of fogging operations has also come under public scrutiny. Spraying adult mosquitoes may provide temporary relief, but it cannot solve the problem if breeding sites remain untouched. A sustainable strategy must therefore focus on eliminating mosquito larvae and destroying the places where Aedes mosquitoes reproduce. City authorities need trained personnel, adequate equipment, reliable data, and systematic inspections to make such efforts effective.
Poor coordination among government agencies is another concern. Roads, drains, construction sites, waste disposal areas, and public facilities may fall under different authorities. Without coordinated action, mosquito-breeding sites can remain untreated. City corporations should establish clear responsibilities and work closely with health authorities, local administrations, building owners, and communities.
Citizens, too, cannot remain passive. Households should regularly empty containers holding stagnant water, keep rooftops and yards clean, and cooperate with mosquito-control workers. Awareness campaigns should explain that dengue prevention is a shared responsibility.
