Dengue scare is gripping the people in Dhaka city as the monsoon is approaching. Dengue broke out in an epidemic form during the monsoon last year.

According to the dengue control room of the Directorate of Health Services and the Dhaka City Corporation sources, two people have so far died of dengue in Dhaka city this year but the unofficial sources put the figure at 7.

The government has taken all out preparations to combat any outbreak of dengue. The Dhaka city corporation is continuing a special mosquito eradication drive but the city dwellers are still suffering from the mosquito menace.

The DCC has deployed a Rapid Action Force in 10 areas of the city to destroy the mosquito breeding places where the density of aedes mosquito (Pluto index) is above 20, according to a source. The DCC is spraying adulticide and larvicide in all areas. The DCC has adequate stock of insecticide.

The DCC is also conducting a mass awareness and motivation programme through the mass media in schools and hospitals of the city.

The Dhaka district Rover Scouts brought out a procession in the city yesterday as part of the motivation programme against the dengue menace. The procession started from in front of the National Museum and ended at the National Press Club. Chief Commissioner of Bangladesh Scouts and Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology Muhammad Fazlur Rahman was the chief guest.

Educationist and president of Biswa Shahitya Kendro Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed, regional commissioner of Rover Region and director general of Secondary and Higher Education Prof Dr Aysha Khatun and President of Dhaka District Rover and Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Md Abdus Sattar Khan joined the procession, according to a press release.

A cleanliness drive led by Commissioner of ward no 32 of DCC Alhaj Mokbul Ahmed Akhand was carried out in different areas. Adulticide and larvicide was sprayed.

Prakriti Sangrakkan O Unnayan Sangstha, an NGO, carried out cleanliness drives in Gulshan and Banani areas yesterday. Chairman of the organisation KM Khalilur Rahman led the drive. (The Independent)