Chattogram city Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain inaugurated the stray dog vaccination programme in front of the city’s Divisional Commissioner’s office today. Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, Jan 5, 2026 (BSS) – Terming rabies in dogs as a 100 percent preventable disease, City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain announced that Chattogram city will be made rabies-free by vaccinating 15,000 stray dogs.

“Pet dogs and cats should also be protected through regular vaccination. A programme has been launched, and its success depends on the conscious cooperation of city residents,” he added.

The mayor made the remarks while inaugurating the stray dog vaccination programme in front of the city’s Divisional Commissioner’s office today.

Dr. Hossain said, “Public health has been prioritized to create a safe and healthy urban environment. Currently, there is widespread concern over the rising population of stray dogs, incidents of dog bites, and the threat of rabies.”

“To address these issues in a humane and scientifically sound way, we have initiated a vaccination programme instead of resorting to killing dogs,” he added.

The mayor explained that rabies is a deadly viral disease, primarily transmitted to humans through the bite or scratch of a rabid dog. However, not all dog bites cause rabies; the risk exists only if the dog carries the virus. He noted that excessive salivation, aimless running, a tendency to bite everything, and difficulty walking may indicate a rabid dog.

He urged the public to avoid any dog showing such symptoms and to immediately contact the City Corporation Health Department or the nearest hospital.

Among those present were Acting Chief Executive Officer and Secretary of the City Corporation Md. Ashraful Amin, Chief Health Officer Mohammad Imam Hossain Rana, Deputy Secretary Rasheda Akhter, Regional Executive Officer Jobaida Akhter, President of the Chattogram District Bar Association Advocate Abdus Sattar, and its General Secretary Hasan Ali Chowdhury.