Dhaka launches urgent mosquito control drive ahead of monsoon season
Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has launched a three-day cleanliness and mosquito control campaign across 536 educational institutions. The drive comes as schools and colleges prepare to reopen after the extended Eid holidays, with officials warning of rising dengue risks ahead of the monsoon season. The campaign targets Aedes mosquito breeding sites in schools, colleges, and madrassas under DNCC's jurisdiction. Teams will carry out larviciding, adult mosquito extermination, and the removal of stagnant water—key breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes. Students will also receive awareness training on identifying and preventing mosquito-borne diseases.
DNCC's chief health officer highlighted that prolonged closures during Eid had worsened cleanliness in many school areas. The administrator stressed the urgency of the cleanup, noting that neglected buildings and courtyards now pose a higher risk of mosquito proliferation. This initiative follows a nationwide directive from the Ministry of Education on 26 March 2026, ordering all educational institutions to conduct dengue prevention drives before reopening. While no specific figures exist on institutions already covered by early detection programs, the DNCC's three-day target reflects a broader push to curb outbreaks. Beyond immediate mosquito control, the corporation aims to foster a long-term, mosquito-free environment. The campaign aligns with its vision of a liveable city, free from both pests and foul odours.
The cleanup drive is set to conclude within three days, covering all 536 listed institutions. By combining rapid mosquito extermination with student education, the DNCC hopes to reduce dengue cases as the monsoon approaches. Officials have urged schools to maintain vigilance even after the campaign ends.
