Dengue epidemic looms as Dhaka fights worst mosquito menace

By Masudul Hoque

Dhaka, Mar 12 – Dhaka's mosquito infestation has reached an alarming level, sparking fears of the worst dengue outbreak in years as the monsoon season approaches, despite a hefty Tk 200 crore allocation for mosquito control.

Experts warn that the absence of a year-round strategy is exacerbating the crisis, making a swift resolution unlikely.

Daily Life Under Siege

From homes and offices to schools and mosques, mosquitoes have infiltrated every corner of the capital. The situation is particularly unbearable during Ramadan, disrupting Iftar and Sehri for millions.

Shafiqul Islam, a resident of Bashundhara, shared his ordeal: “Mosquitoes swarm before dusk and persist all night. Despite trying various repellents, we can’t escape them. We shut our doors and windows early, yet even the tiniest gap allows them in.”

Previously, ward councillors oversaw mosquito control efforts and waste management. However, following the ouster of the then government on August 5, they have gone into hiding. Residents claim this has left a governance vacuum, with an administrative cadre officer now overseeing multiple wards, limiting on-ground monitoring.

Low-Lying Areas Hit Hardest

The worst-affected areas include Uttara, Dakkhinkhan, Bashundhara, Mirpur, Kamrangirchar, Aminbazar, Mohammadpur, Bosila, Shanir Akhra and Dholaipar. Stagnant water in drains, ponds, and canals has created the perfect breeding ground for Culex mosquitoes.

Moinuddin, a resident of Rampura, voiced his frustration: “Every year, mosquitoes make life miserable, but this time, it’s worse. We pay taxes, yet mosquito control services remain ineffective.”

Budget Allocation vs. Reality

For the 2024-25 fiscal year, the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has allocated Tk 111 crore for mosquito control, with a similar budget from Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). However, many residents argue that the situation is deteriorating rather than improving.

They stress the need for year-round interventions, including efficient spraying and enhanced waste management, to curb mosquito breeding.

Experts Raise the Alarm

Dr. Kabirul Bashar, a zoology professor at Jahangirnagar University, warned that the current mosquito surge had been predicted in a January study.

“Our research anticipated a spike in mosquito numbers in February and March, and the evidence is now clear. If mosquito control was maintained throughout the year, the infestation wouldn’t have reached this level,” he said.

Dr. Bashar revealed alarming figures: mosquito larvae density has soared from 12-17 per dip last year to over 87 this year. Similarly, the density of flying mosquitoes per person per hour has jumped from 25 to over 300.

City Corporations’ Response

DNCC CEO Abu Sayeed Md. Kamruzzaman insisted that efforts are underway, with regional officials directed to spray pesticides regularly. However, he emphasised that public cooperation is crucial in eliminating breeding grounds.

Brigadier General Imrul Kayes Chowdhury, DNCC’s Chief Health Officer, pointed out that mosquito control requires more than just pesticide spraying. “Stagnant water in drains, ponds, sewers, and canals is a major contributor to the rising mosquito population,” he noted.

He added that technical teams and task forces have been formed to assess pesticide effectiveness and recommend improvements.

DSCC CEO Dr. Md. Zillur Rahman stated, “We are consistently spraying repellents in all wards. With mosquito numbers peaking during monsoon, we are intensifying proactive measures.”

Dr. Nishat Parveen, DSCC’s Chief Health Officer, reiterated that pre-monsoon efforts are being ramped up to contain mosquito infestations.

Time for Decisive Action

Dhaka is at a breaking point. Experts caution that piecemeal solutions are no longer sufficient. Unless authorities implement advanced mosquito control strategies and deploy potent pesticides, a severe public health disaster is imminent.

With dengue season fast approaching, only immediate, well-coordinated action can prevent the crisis from spiralling out of control. - UNB