Minister Tajul, Mayor Atiq come under mosquito attack during anti-mosquito drive

Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operative (LGRD) Minister Md Tazul Islam, Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Atiqul Islam, and other guests came under mosquito attack during a canal cleaning programme in the capital's Uttara today (20 March).

Several journalists and Dhaka North officials confirmed to The Business Standard that the guests were frustrated by the mosquitoes.

A live video posted on the Facebook page of LGRD minister showed the minister, the mayor, Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) Chairman Anisur Rahman Mia and others waving their hands to drive away mosquitoes. Some were seen scratching the mosquito bites.

After the visit to the Rajuk Canal in Uttara sector-12, Minister Tajul Islam said, "We are all more afraid of the aedes mosquito. Patients affected by aedes mosquito bites die. That's why I have been talking about it since the beginning of the year."

He also said the breeding grounds of mosquitoes should be destroyed through the combined efforts of public representatives and people. 

Stating that prevention is better than cure, he said the most effective way to kill mosquitoes was to destroy mosquito breeding grounds.

"Dhaka city's various canals are being polluted due to sewage waste from houses and due to littering. A lot of mosquitoes are being produced [there]. To solve these problems, according to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's directive, Dhaka is divided into five catchment areas and sewage treatment is being established to dispose of waste," he said. 

On the occasion, Mayor Atiqul said, "Aedes mosquito control is not possible for the city corporation alone. Everyone should be aware. Social movement is needed for this."

He also said Wasa would construct a sewage treatment plant in Uttara area. 

"It will take several years to build. But it is important to keep these temporary canals clean," he said.