As part of the three-month nationwide ‘Dengue Prevention and Cleanliness Campaign 2026’, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives and Chairman of the National Task Force on Dengue, Mir Shahe Alam, inspected ongoing cleanliness and dengue prevention activities in the Dhanmondi-27 area and around Rapa Plaza in the capital on Saturday (September 12).

Administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation, freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam, was also present during the inspection.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman formally inaugurated the three-month nationwide campaign from the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad complex on Saturday morning. Immediately after the inauguration, the state minister went to the field to inspect the ongoing activities.

During the inspection, Mir Shahe Alam observed cleanliness operations, potential breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes and the surrounding environment in the Dhanmondi-27 and Rapa Plaza areas. He also spoke with officials and cleaners of the city corporation and inquired about the progress of dengue prevention measures.

Earlier, the state minister inspected a cleanliness drive conducted by volunteer organisation BD Clean at the Irrigation Building in the capital and provided necessary instructions to those concerned.

The state minister said, “Dengue must be prevented at any cost.” He stressed that prevention cannot be limited to campaigns conducted at specific times. Potential Aedes breeding grounds must be identified and eliminated regularly throughout the year.

He said cleanliness activities must be turned into a continuous social movement to prevent dengue. Alongside government agencies, individuals, families, educational institutions, businesses, volunteer organisations and people from all sections of society must play responsible roles from their respective positions.

Briefing journalists after the inspection, Mir Shahe Alam said the three-month special nationwide programme began with the prime minister’s inauguration. The objective is not merely to eliminate mosquitoes, but also to prevent the creation of Aedes breeding grounds through cleanliness and awareness and to develop lasting awareness among citizens.

He said preventive measures are being given the highest priority in dengue control. To prevent Aedes mosquitoes from breeding, the surroundings of homes, under-construction buildings, government and private offices, educational institutions and other establishments must be kept clean regularly.

The state minister said initiatives have been taken to increase the number of city corporation cleaners to make urban cleanliness activities more effective. Necessary steps are also being taken to expand the scope and capacity of cleanliness operations.

Identifying under-construction buildings as one of the major risk areas for Aedes breeding, he called for the highest level of caution at such sites. Water accumulated in construction materials, drums, buckets, pits or other places can provide breeding grounds for Aedes larvae. Therefore, building owners, developers and all concerned must ensure that such areas are cleaned regularly.

He further said that if anyone neglects their responsibilities and creates an environment conducive to Aedes breeding despite being warned and made aware, legal action will be taken under existing laws, including fines through mobile courts and, if necessary, imprisonment.

However, he urged everyone to come forward to prevent dengue through awareness and responsible behaviour rather than punishment.

Officials of Dhaka South City Corporation, cleaners, members of volunteer organisations and other stakeholders were present during the inspection.