The ruling party has taken the initiative to combat dengue outbreak, following a directive from party chief Sheikh Hasina
The Awami League has decided to conduct a three-day cleanliness drive and awareness campaign in 21 dengue-affected districts across Bangladesh, starting on Wednesday, to inform people about the deadly mosquito-borne virus, the party General Secretary Obaidul Quader said on Monday.
“As per the directive from Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, we are planning to conduct campaigns in 21 dengue-affected districts on July 31, August 2 and 3 to raise awareness about dengue,” he told reporters at the political office of Awami League president in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, after a secretary-level meeting of the party.
Quader, who is also the road transport and bridges minister, said the dengue outbreak had gotten to an alarming state.
“We understand the severity of the situation and are working to prevent further spread of dengue infection,” he told the media.
The senior Awami League leader said the party chief had directed everyone – from the central leaders to the grass roots activists – to work in order to prevent dengue.
The party plans to distribute leaflets containing information about dengue among people.
“We will also arrange awareness campaigns and meetings across the country to convey the information to the people,” Quader said.
He further added that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in the UK for her eye treatment, was keeping track of the situation and issuing instructions accordingly.
“The prime minister is in touch with the two mayors of Dhaka as well as the health minister over the dengue situation. She would return home now if she did not need to stay for her treatment.”
About the Dhaka mayors’ remarks on the severity of dengue, Quader said sometimes they make controversial statements, which are really “slips of tongue,” but they are both working diligently to resolve the situation.
Speaking about the flood, Quader said the Awami League government would provide all kinds of assistance for the rehabilitation of the flood-affected people.
“Rehabilitation is a continuous process, and the government is ready to provide all sorts of support in this regard. The government will build houses for those who have lost their homes in the flood.”
Awami League joint secretaries Mahabubul Alam Hanif, Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Abdur Rahman were present at the meeting, among others.
Source: Dhaka Tribune.
