Published : 12 Sep 2026, 03:54 PM
Updated : 16 Sep 2026, 11:49 AM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has launched a three-month nationwide dengue prevention and cleanliness campaign aimed at reducing mosquito breeding during a period considered high-risk for outbreaks.
He inaugurated the “Dengue Prevention and Cleanliness Campaign 2026” at the South Plaza of the parliament complex on Saturday.
The programme, organised by the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives and the Dhaka North and South city corporations, will run from Sept 12 to Dec 12.
The campaign comes amid a sharp rise in dengue infections across Bangladesh.
So far this year, 139 people have died and 48,430 have been hospitalised with the mosquito-borne disease, according to the latest health directorate figures.
The outbreak has accelerated in recent weeks, with health experts warning that September could prove worse than August, which recorded the year’s highest monthly caseload.
Organisers said around 25,000 people attended the launch, including city corporation cleaning workers, members of the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps, Girl Guides, Scouts and Red Crescent volunteers, and students from different educational institutions.
Cabinet members, MPs, secretaries and other government officials were also present, while administrations in all 64 districts joined the event online.
Under the initiative, local administrations, volunteer organisations and students will carry out coordinated cleanliness and awareness activities in metropolitan areas, divisions, districts and Upazilas across the country.
City corporations will coordinate the work in metropolitan areas, deputy commissioners at the district level and Upazila executive officers at the Upazila level.
Volunteers from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief will also take part alongside Scouts, BNCC members, Girl Guides, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society volunteers and school and college students.
