Helemul Alam

Dengue infections are surging outside Dhaka this year, raising alarm among health experts who warn that inadequate mosquito-control measures in many districts could trigger a wider outbreak in the coming weeks.

The risk of dengue could rise sharply after the Eid-ul-Azha holidays, as rainfall during the period may have created numerous mosquito breeding grounds, experts warned.

Dhaka drivers are gradually changing their long-ingrained traffic habits as AI-based enforcement and semi-automated traffic signals reshape behaviour at major intersections across the city.

Although the monsoon season is approaching, the health authorities have yet to take any initiative to conduct the pre-monsoon entomological survey that experts say is crucial for identifying mosquito breeding hotspots and preventing a major dengue outbreak.

It was around 1:00pm yesterday. By then, most sacrificial animals across Dhaka had already been sacrificed, but Habibur Rahman was still sitting at the Kachukhet cattle market with his two remaining bulls, hoping to reduce his mounting losses.

“Trader brothers, do not panic or become frustrated. Please remain patient; customers will come after evening,” an announcer was heard saying repeatedly over loudspeakers around 4:00pm yesterday at Kamalapur cattle market.

With just two days left before Eid-ul-Azha, trading of sacrificial animals gained pace at cattle markets across Dhaka yesterday as buyers rushed to complete their purchases.

The heavy downpours in Dhaka yesterday and on the day before brought relief to cattle traders as the scorching heat had put sacrificial animals at risk of heatstroke ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

Excessive rainfall across Bangladesh is increasing the risk of an early dengue outbreak this year, prompting entomologists to call for immediate government action to eliminate mosquito breeding sources and strengthen public awareness campaigns.

With three days left before the official opening of makeshift cattle markets in Dhaka, sacrificial animals, particularly bulls, have started arriving at temporary markets ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

Despite adequate cattle production across the country ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, prices of sacrificial animals, particularly bulls, remain high due to increased production costs.

The two Dhaka city corporations have so far completed the leasing process for 17 makeshift cattle markets ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, with most leases going to BNP leaders or individuals linked to the party.

Dhaka’s two city corporations have identified 141 locations vulnerable to waterlogging ahead of the upcoming monsoon and said they are taking measures to reduce the risk.

With ongoing rainfall across the country, the risk of dengue transmission is expected to rise in the coming months if authorities fail to take necessary preventive measures, experts have warned.

The modernisation project of the Sufia Kamal National Public Library at Dhaka’s Shahbagh lies incomplete even after more than three years since the work began in 2022.

Just 10 days after a massive drive by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) to reclaim encroached footpaths and roads, many areas across the capital have again been occupied by hawkers.

Ignoring concerns raised by environmentalists, the government has constructed a around 20-foot-wide road through Osmani Udyan, connecting Fulbaria’s Phoenix Road with Abdul Gani Road to facilitate vehicular movement towards the Secretariat.

Bangladesh is likely to face a large-scale dengue outbreak this year unless authorities act swiftly to identify mosquito hotspots, eliminate breeding grounds ahead of the monsoon, and intensify public awareness campaigns, experts have warned.

As part of government directives, Dhaka’s two city corporations are set to take coordinated measures to ease traffic congestion, which include clearing footpaths and roads, introducing semi-automated traffic signals, and bringing rickshaws under a regulated framework.

With millions of residents leaving Dhaka ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, prompted by a seven-day holiday, experts have warned of a possible spike in dengue cases if preventive measures are not taken in time.