Mobile courts to be conducted to prevent dengue: Minister

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain today (6 June) said mobile courts will be conducted within the next two to three days as part of efforts to prevent dengue, as the government launched a nationwide campaign against the mosquito-borne disease.

"Institutions where Aedes mosquito larvae are found will face penalties. Mobile courts will be conducted after two to three days to strengthen dengue prevention measures," he said.

The minister made the remarks while inaugurating the three-month campaign at Rabindra Sarobar in the capital's Dhanmondi area this morning.

Mentioning the risk of bleeding complications among dengue patients this season, Sakhawat said physicians fear that cases of dengue haemorrhagic fever may increase.

"Bleeding may occur in some dengue patients. Therefore, we must remain vigilant and take preventive measures in advance," he said.

Speakers at the programme stressed the importance of keeping homes, rooftops, balconies, drains and surrounding areas clean and free from stagnant water, which serves as a breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes.

Speaking on the occasion, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam urged residents to play an active role in preventing dengue.

"Our survey has identified 28 of the city's 75 wards as high-risk areas," he said.

He announced that a one-week special "crash programme" will begin in those wards from Sunday to curb the spread of dengue.

Abdus Salam said dengue prevention would only be possible through coordinated efforts by city residents and public authorities.

Following the inauguration, the health minister and the South city administrator joined an awareness rally attended by representatives of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, Dhanmondi Society and local residents