Mosquito control in Chattogram ineffective, clean city slogan only on billboards: CAB
In a statement sent to the media on Thursday, CAB Chattogram expressed concern over the alarming increase in infections and deaths caused by mosquito-borne diseases and called for immediate, coordinated action to address the crisis.
Highlights
- Dengue and chikungunya cases rising alarmingly in Ctg
- Larval density in Ctg up to 75.29%, CAB warns
- No free govt testing for chikungunya in Ctg, CAB says
- CAB calls city's mosquito eradication efforts mismanaged
- CAB urges launch of integrated programme against mosquitoes
The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has criticised the Chattogram City Corporation for its failure to control the growing mosquito population, saying the city's "Clean and Green" slogan exists only on billboards while dengue and chikungunya cases continue to rise.
In a statement sent to the media on Thursday, CAB Chattogram expressed concern over the alarming increase in infections and deaths caused by mosquito-borne diseases and called for immediate, coordinated action to address the crisis.
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CAB leaders stated that the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes in Chattogram has reached a critical level.
Citing data from the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), they noted that the city's larval density has increased from 36% in 2024 to 75.29% this year—more than triple the 20% threshold set by the World Health Organization.
The presence of larvae in households has also gone up, from 37% to 48%.
Calling the situation a "serious threat" to public health, CAB criticised the city corporation's mosquito eradication and waste management efforts.
While acknowledging that Mayor Shahadat Hossain initially attempted to bring momentum to the drive, the statement said progress has been undermined by administrative inefficiency and a lack of cooperation from officials.
"Irregularities, mismanagement, and lax efforts have once again rendered mosquito control activities ineffective," CAB said.
The organisation added that, "The 'Clean and Green City' slogan is now limited to billboards, with no real-world reflection. The primary strategy for controlling mosquito-borne diseases is to destroy Aedes mosquito breeding grounds. However, with the city's drains, canals, and stagnant water near homes left uncleared, the situation is spiralling out of control."
CAB also questioned the visible presence and effectiveness of sanitation workers, noting that solo efforts by the city corporation are not sufficient.
The association urged authorities to immediately launch an integrated crash programme involving local administration, political and social organisations, and city residents.
On the issue of chikungunya, CAB alleged that no government-run diagnostic system currently exists in Chattogram. As a result, patients are forced to depend on private clinics and laboratories, which are reportedly charging high fees.
The organisation warned that the situation resembles the Covid-19 pandemic period, when alleged profiteering through inflated prices of tests, medicine, and even coconuts was widespread.
CAB called on the government to introduce free chikungunya testing facilities and to improve monitoring across the health sector.
The statement was signed by CAB Vice President SM Nazer Hossain, Divisional General Secretary Kazi Iqbal Bahar Saberi, Metropolitan President Jesmin Sultana Paru, General Secretary Ajay Mitra Shankhu, Joint Secretary Md Selim Jahangir, South District President Abdul Mannan, Jubo CAB Metropolitan President Abu Hanif Noman, Policy Influence Group Chattogram President Musa Khan, Member Secretary Abu Mosharraf Russell, Joint and Member Secretary Saidur Rahman Mintu, among others.
