BARISHAL, June 16, 2026 (BSS) - Barishal City Corporation (BCC) has intensified mosquito control and cleanliness activities across the city as part of its efforts to prevent the spread of dengue, leading to a noticeable reduction in mosquito infestation, officials and residents said.

To strengthen dengue prevention measures, BCC has been conducting regular mosquito extermination drives alongside extensive cleaning operations throughout the city. 

Authorities expressed optimism that the incidence of dengue would decline this year as a result of these initiatives.

As part of the campaign, BCC Administrator Advocate Bilkis Akhter Jahan Shirin declared May as "Cleanliness Month" and June as "Mosquito Control Month". 

The city corporation has since launched a comprehensive cleanliness programme in all 30 wards of the 58-square-kilometre city. Mosquito repellent spraying has also been scheduled in each ward for 30 consecutive days.

BCC Administrative Officer Swapan Kumar Das said five dedicated teams have 
been deployed to implement the mosquito control programme. The city 
corporation is currently operating 35 hand sprayers and 45 fogger machines, 
while an emergency response team has also been formed.

"We are organising awareness rallies and distributing 20,000 leaflets among 
residents. According to available data, no dengue patients currently admitted 
to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital are from the City Corporation area, 
indicating that we are in a relatively good position," Das said.

Residents have welcomed the initiative, saying a significant reduction in 
mosquito infestation compared to previous years. However, they stressed the 
importance of continuing the programme throughout the monsoon season.

Local resident Anisur Rahman described the initiative as commendable, saying 
dengue had claimed many lives in previous years. "Compared to last year, 
mosquito infestation in our area has decreased considerably due to the city's 
spraying programme and awareness campaigns. We are satisfied with the 
results," he said.

Health officials also reported an improvement in the dengue situation within 
the city. BCC Medical Officer Dr. Mohammad Fazle Rabbi said dengue infections 
in the city corporation area have declined compared to the previous year due 
to sustained mosquito control efforts and growing public awareness.

"Currently, we are in a much better position than before because people are 
becoming more aware, and mosquito breeding has been reduced," Dr. Rabbi told 
BSS.

He said reports from Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, Barishal General 
Hospital and private healthcare facilities indicate that dengue infections 
have not increased significantly and remain under control.

Dr. Rabbi stressed that dengue prevention requires both institutional 
measures and individual responsibility. "Dengue prevention depends on 
collective efforts. Public awareness and active participation are crucial in 
controlling the disease," he said.

According to district health authorities, 337 people have been infected with 
dengue in Barishal district so far this year. Of them, 324 have recovered and 
returned home after treatment. No dengue-related deaths have been reported up 
to June, while 13 patients remain hospitalized. All infected individuals are 
residents of various upazilas of the district.

BCC Administrator Advocate Bilkis Akhter Jahan Shirin said mosquitoes remain 
the primary vector of dengue and that the city corporation's anti-mosquito 
activities would continue.

"We have declared June as Mosquito Control Month and will continue our 
efforts to prevent both dengue and chikungunya. We are working to clear 
blocked drains and prevent waterlogging throughout the city," she said, 
urging residents to support the campaign by maintaining cleanliness in their 
surroundings.

According to data from the Barishal Divisional Health Department, a total of 
1,398 dengue cases have been recorded across the six districts of Barishal 
Division this year. 

Of those infected, 1,319 have recovered, while 79 patients are currently 
undergoing treatment in various hospitals, he said, adding," No dengue-
related deaths have been reported in the division, so far, in 2026."