PM urges youths to join in preventing dengue

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged students and young people to help prevent dengue by keeping their homes, educational institutions and surroundings clean, stressing that the government alone cannot tackle the disease.

He made the call on Saturday (October 17) while inspecting a cleanliness drive at Rajuk Uttara Model College in the capital, where he spoke to members of the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) and Scouts.

The prime minister also made surprise visits to hospitals, educational institutions and government buildings to assess dengue prevention efforts, medical services and cleanliness.

Earlier, he visited Kuwait-Bangladesh Friendship Government Hospital and spoke to patients about their treatment. He also inspected the intensive care unit (ICU), operation theatre and other departments.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the hospital’s overall management and cleanliness, he gave the authorities seven days to improve the environment and hygiene.

At Rajuk Uttara Model College, Tarique said dengue infections tend to rise during this period of the year, particularly through November, causing many illnesses and deaths.

“The best way to fight dengue is prevention. For that, we must keep our surroundings clean. I need your help in this effort,” he told the students.

He said the participation of the country’s large youth population could make a significant difference in preventing dengue and protecting the environment. Dhaka’s huge population also meant that city corporation cleaning staff could not manage the entire city alone, making public participation essential.

The prime minister urged students, whether or not they belonged to Scouts, Girl Guides or the Red Crescent, to take responsibility for keeping their homes, schools and neighbourhoods clean. He also called for greater public awareness to discourage people from dumping waste indiscriminately.

He said dustbins had been installed at various locations across the city, but many were being stolen. Saplings planted by the Dhaka North and South city corporations were also being stolen, he added, urging citizens to act responsibly.

Tarique also encouraged students to plant at least one tree every year on their own birthdays and those of family members.

“Try to plant a tree on your birthday, your siblings’ birthdays or your grandparents’ birthdays. You can plant it at home, at school or in your village. As the trees grow, you will grow too,” he said.

Recalling Dhaka’s greener past, the prime minister said the city once had more trees and open spaces. The expansion of multistorey buildings and the loss of greenery had contributed to rising temperatures.

He said planting more trees could help reduce urban heat and improve the environment.

The prime minister asked students to actively contribute to dengue prevention, cleanliness and greening initiatives. The students responded positively when he asked whether they would help keep their schools, homes and neighbourhoods clean.

-EM