State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam. File photo

DHAKA, June 26, 2026 (BSS) - The National Task Force formed to prevent dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases today conducted a special drive to search and destroy Aedes mosquito larvae at the side of roads  18, 21, and 24 in the capital's Banani area.

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam led the operation, according to an official handout issued here tonight.

Speaking during the drive, the State Minister said, "Our primary objective is to save human lives and build a dengue-free city. It is not possible for the city corporation alone to control dengue.
 
Although regular drives are being conducted, active participation of city dwellers is most crucial to make this effort successful."

Urging the citizens to remain vigilant, the State Minister requested everyone to ensure that water does not remain stagnant for more than three days on rooftops, courtyards, basements, flower urns, coconut shells, paint cans, old tires, or any other containers.

"Stagnant water must be removed every three days, and citizens should regularly clean their premises with family members," he added 

Mir Shahe Alam urged citizens to collect free mosquito larvicide tablets from the regional and ward offices of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and use them in stagnant water at their own initiative.

He requested the mass media to intensify awareness campaigns against dengue and urged the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) to issue notices to its members to ensure cleanliness at under-construction and residential buildings. 

Replying to a query from journalists, he noted that the ministry will take necessary steps to implement similar precautionary measures in government quarters as well.

During the drive, a DNCC mobile court led by Executive Magistrate Marufa Akter Nelly fined an under-construction residential building Taka 50,000 on Road 24 in Banani under Section 269 of the Penal Code 1860, after Aedes larvae were found despite previous warnings. The court also ordered three months imprisonment in default to pay the penalty.