DHAKA, Aug 25, 2021 (BSS) - Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives Minister M Tajul Islam has urged city-dwellers to be vigilant so that the roof gardens or flower pots of the houses cannot become a breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes.

“City dwellers, who especially have rooftop gardens, need to be aware of the breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes," he said while speaking at the 11th inter-ministerial meeting to review the activities of city corporations and other ministries, divisions, departments, agencies on mosquito-borne diseases across the country.

Later, the minister unveiled the package of national guidelines for the prevention of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases, said a press release.

"The rains have started a little earlier this year than other years, for this reason, water is accumulating everywhere….mosquitoes are breeding in schools, colleges, madrasas and universities as those are closed, and authorities cannot clean them regularly," he said.

He advised using mosquito repellent or kerosene if water from the roof gardens or flower tubs could not be removed regularly.

 He asked the Dhaka Cantonment Board, Civil Aviation Authority, and Bangladesh Railways to monitor the spread of mosquitoes in their jurisdiction.  

“We have been informed that mosquito eradication activities are underway on behalf of these organizations,” he said.

The meeting was attended by Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor M Atiqul Islam (virtually), South City Corporation Mayor Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, Gazipur Mayor M Jahangir Alam, Senior Secretary, Local Government Department, Housing and Public Works Secretary, Health Secretary, SDG Coordinator to the Prime Minister's Office, among others.