DHAKA, Nov 1, 2020 (BSS) – Local government, rural development and cooperatives minister Mohammad Tajul Islam today said the government is taking initiatives to import duty free medicines and equipment to kill mosquitoes.
“The government is taking steps to reduce or withdraw tariffs on imports of medicines and equipment needed to eradicate the Aedes mosquito though mosquitoes are under control now more than ever before,” he said.
The minister said this at a briefing after the 7th inter-ministerial virtual meeting to review the activities of city corporations and other ministries, departments, offices and agencies in the country including the Dhaka metropolis to prevent dengue, said a press release.
He said that as the import duty on mosquito repellents than agricultural pesticides is very high, the mayors of the city corporations have demanded to reduce the duty on the import of effective drugs and equipment for repelling mosquitoes.
Mentioning that they have been asked to send a letter to the mayors in view of this demand, the minister said that the decision will be taken after discussing with the concerned authorities.
“Mosquitoes are under control in our country more than ever before and this has been possible due to the concerted efforts of the ministry and all the city corporations under the ministry in compliance with the government directives”, he said.
Mayors, representatives of all city corporations, senior secretaries of local government departments, secretaries of various ministries and concerned authorities were present, among others.