Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, Sept 11, 2026 (BSS) - Humam Quader Chowdhury, MP, today stressed the need to keep canals and drains clean to protect people from dengue and other health hazards.

"Dengue is a major challenge in Bangladesh. To protect people, we must ensure that our canals and drains are kept clean," he said.

He made the remarks while taking part in a cleanup campaign at the long-neglected Kulkurmai Canal in Muradnagar under Rangunia Municipality in his constituency.

More than 650 volunteers from the organisation BD Clean participated in the campaign.

Humam Quader Chowdhury said clean waterways were essential not only for protecting public health but also for enhancing the tourism potential of Rangunia.

Praising the volunteers, he said, "The young people of BD Clean represent the best of Bangladesh. They work without seeking financial gain or recognition."

Referring to earlier cleanliness initiatives, he said a programme was launched during the election campaign to distribute free dustbins to every union and marketplace. However, many people failed to use them properly despite their availability.

Jahirul Islam Rabi, a representative of BD Clean, said the organisation has been conducting cleanliness campaigns since 2016 and currently has teams working in 57 districts and 165 upazilas across the country.