Dhaka’s mosquito menace out of control; frustration mounts

Dengue mosquito

Masudul Hoque

Dhaka, Jan 31 – Dhaka is facing an unprecedented mosquito crisis as Culex mosquitoes multiply at alarming rates, turning what was once a seasonal nuisance into a year-round public health emergency.

Despite significant financial allocations and mosquito control efforts, the situation continues to deteriorate, leaving residents frustrated and vulnerable to life-threatening diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya.

Dengue Cases Soar

In 2024 alone, Bangladesh recorded 101,214 dengue cases and 575 deaths, with Dhaka bearing the brunt of the outbreak.

While authorities claim to be working to control the spread, mosquito infestations in homes, offices, and public spaces have only worsened. Many residents report that mosquito control measures, such as fumigation and larvicide spraying, have become increasingly irregular.

What was once a weekly mosquito control drive in Dhaka’s wards has now become sporadic, with some areas going months without intervention.

In response, families have been forced to rely on mosquito coils, sprays, and nets throughout the day and night—yet the relentless mosquito population shows no signs of decline.

City Corporations Struggle to Contain

The Dhaka North and South City Corporations (DNCC and DSCC) insist they are conducting daily mosquito control operations, but the worsening infestation tells a different story.

Complaints from the public highlight serious gaps in these efforts, with many questioning whether the allocated funds are being effectively utilised.

Experts warn that if drastic action is not taken immediately, Dhaka could face yet another record-breaking dengue outbreak in the coming months.

Government Promises but Little Action

Local Government Division Secretary Nizam Uddin told UNB that city corporations have been instructed to intensify their mosquito control activities. However, he admitted that the absence of elected officials has slowed progress.

"Efforts to control mosquitoes must continue year-round," he said, urging residents to take personal precautions, such as eliminating stagnant water and maintaining cleanliness. Authorities have also imposed fines on those found responsible for creating mosquito breeding grounds, but experts argue that these measures fall far short of what is needed to curb the crisis.

Culex Mosquitoes on the Rise

Professor Dr. Kabirul Bashar, an entomologist from Jahangirnagar University, revealed that the Culex mosquito population has been rising since early January and is expected to peak by March. If left unchecked, the crisis could escalate further.

Dr. Bashar also pointed out that Dhaka’s city corporations have failed to meet the conditions outlined in their agreement with researchers.

"Studies on mosquito larvae and pesticide efficacy have been conducted in five DNCC zones, but no concrete action has followed. Without immediate and sustained intervention, we are staring at a major health crisis," he warned.

Frustration Mounts

Anger is growing among Dhaka’s residents, who feel abandoned in the face of the worsening mosquito invasion.

"Since August, no one has monitored mosquito control activities in our area," said Mainuddin, a resident of Bashundhara Residential Area. "No one is held accountable, and the government needs to act immediately."

Junaid from Badda shared similar frustrations, "Mosquitoes are everywhere—morning, afternoon, and night. We have to sleep under nets all day. The situation is worsening, but the city corporation remains ineffective."

Shaheedul Haque from Mirpur added that even children are now at greater risk. "The Aedes mosquito problem is worse than ever, and there’s no relief in sight."

Where is the Money Going?

The DNCC has allocated Tk 110 crore for mosquito control in the current fiscal year, yet the infestation has only intensified. Sources within the health department suggest that following the political transition in August, efforts have become less coordinated, exacerbating the problem.

Despite implementing a year-round mosquito control programme, DSCC has also failed to make a noticeable impact. Even with an intensified anti-mosquito drive launched in January, residents see little evidence of improvement. Minimal pesticide use and weak enforcement of control measures have allowed mosquitoes to thrive.

Poor Waste Management

Experts identify stagnant water, unclean drains, and ineffective control measures as the main contributors to the crisis.

While residents are encouraged to remove mosquito breeding sites from their homes, the lack of decisive action from the authorities has allowed the problem to escalate.

Time to Act Now

Dhaka’s mosquito infestation has reached a tipping point.

Without urgent, coordinated action—including modern control techniques and effective pesticides—the entire city is at risk. Experts stress that the time for half-measures has passed.

Immediate intervention is necessary before this crisis spirals further out of control. - UNB