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Dhaka, May 25, 2025: In the 2024-25 fiscal year, Dhaka’s two city corporations allocated around Tk 154 crore for mosquito control. Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) earmarked Tk 110 crore, and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) allocated Tk 44.47 crore. Despite this substantial expenditure, mosquito infestations remain rampant, leaving residents frustrated and dengue cases on the rise.
Dengue Crisis and Mosquito Menace
According to the Directorate General of Health Services, from January 1 to May 18 this year, 3,452 people were infected with dengue, with 22 fatalities—59.1% male and 40.9% female. Dhaka, spanning 1,463.60 square kilometers and home to nearly 20 million people, is grappling with a growing mosquito problem alongside its population boom. Residents complain that the city corporations’ efforts are merely superficial, with mosquito numbers increasing instead of declining.
Failed Initiatives by City Corporations
The city corporations have employed various measures, including drone surveillance to identify mosquito breeding sites, collecting discarded plastics, releasing frogs and ducks in water bodies, and broadcasting awareness jingles. However, these initiatives have yielded no significant results. Over the past decade, around Tk 830 crore has been allocated for mosquito control—Tk 560 crore by DNCC and Tk 270 crore by DSCC—yet the situation remains unchanged.
Residents’ Frustrations
Sharmin Akter from Bonosree said, “Mosquitoes force us to use nets even during the day. The city corporation’s efforts are ineffective.” Alamgir Hossain from Badda added, “We rarely see insecticide spraying workers. We’re scared of another dengue outbreak.” Sabuj Ahmed from Jatrabari complained, “Insecticide spraying is supposed to happen twice daily, but we see workers only once or twice a week.”
Statements from Authorities
DSCC Administrator Md. Shahjahan Mia stated, “We are conducting regular mosquito control and cleanliness drives. Residents must also remove stagnant water.” DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz said, “We plan to involve the army to monitor insecticide spraying.” Entomologist Dr. Kabirul Bashar noted, “Unplanned urbanization and plastic waste create mosquito breeding grounds. Science-based measures and public awareness are crucial.”
Conclusion
Despite massive funding, Dhaka’s mosquito control efforts have failed to provide relief to residents. Lack of public awareness and ineffective management are fueling the dengue risk. Without coordinated and effective measures, this crisis will persist.
AI/MR
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