Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on Members of Parliament (MPs) and local public representatives to organise cleanliness drives in their constituencies every Saturday to help prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya.
In a special video message to the nation, the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of involving local residents in these drives, highlighting that community participation is essential to achieving meaningful results.
“Prevention is better than cure,” Tarique Rahman said, underscoring it as the core principle of the government’s national health policy against the ongoing public health threat posed by mosquito-borne illnesses.
The Prime Minister noted that dengue and chikungunya are transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which can breed in clean stagnant water. He warned that while dengue is typically more severe during the monsoon season from June to October, experts have observed infections occurring year-round, making vigilance necessary at all times.
He urged citizens to take practical measures to prevent mosquito breeding, including keeping drains, ponds, water tanks, buckets, flower pots, discarded tyres, and rooftops free of stagnant water. Homes and surrounding areas should be cleaned at least once a week, he advised.
To strengthen preventive measures ahead of the monsoon, Tarique Rahman announced the launch of a nationwide weekly cleanliness campaign starting from 14 March.
Local administrations have already begun preparations to implement the initiative across the country.
The Prime Minister stressed that awareness, cleanliness, and active public participation remain the most effective tools to protect communities from dengue and chikungunya.
“Keep your homes and surroundings clean. Protect yourself from Aedes mosquitoes and prevent the spread of these deadly diseases,” he urged.
By involving MPs, public representatives, and local communities, the government aims to ensure that preventive actions are taken consistently, safeguarding public health and reducing the risk of outbreaks in the coming months.
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