Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), in collaboration with the social organization Surakkha, organized a colorful awareness rally and citizens' meeting to promote public awareness and community participation in preventing dengue and chikungunya.
Speaking as the chief guest at the event held at the CCC public library hall on Saturday.
City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain said public awareness remains the most effective weapon against the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
"We have significantly reduced the use of conventional toxic chemicals and introduced environmentally friendly Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI) technology for mosquito control. Crash programs in every ward, the application of high-quality larvicides, regular cleanliness drives, and strict monitoring have produced encouraging results in controlling dengue," the mayor said.
He urged residents to regularly inspect and clean their homes, rooftops, under-construction buildings, air-conditioner trays, flower pots, and any areas where water may accumulate to eliminate Aedes mosquito breeding sites.
Highlighting the city's progress, the mayor said approximately 9,000 dengue cases and 78 deaths were recorded in Chattogram in 2023. In 2024, infections declined to 2,748, while deaths dropped to 16. In 2025, the city reported 2,622 cases and eight deaths. During the first six months of 2026, only 109 dengue cases have been recorded, with no deaths so far.
He said, sustaining these achievements requires active participation from residents alongside the efforts of the city corporation.
"If citizens do not eliminate Aedes breeding grounds in their own homes and surroundings, it will not be possible for the City Corporation alone to achieve complete success. Mobile courts will take legal action wherever mosquito larvae are found," he warned.
The program was presided by Dr. M. M. Taimur Hasan, Chairman of Surakkha. The event was jointly moderated by Engineer Shakhawat Hossain Shaheen Hayat and Dr. Lamia Ibtesam Osman.
The welcome address and keynote presentation were delivered by Dr. Rasheduzzaman Mondol and Arman Ali, founding members of Surakkha. They stressed that prevention is better than cure and said the organization's primary goal is to improve public health awareness and strengthen stakeholder engagement by utilizing their experience in humanitarian and development work.
Special guest Dr. Jahangir Alam, Civil Surgeon of Chattogram, highlighted the current dengue situation, associated health risks, and the importance of coordinated prevention measures. Selim Uddin, Head of the Department of Environment at Chattogram Polytechnic Institute, called for expanding awareness campaigns in educational institutions.
Among others addressing the event were Dr. Kissinger Chakma, Chief Education Officer of CCC; Dr. Mohammad Imam Hossain (Rana), Acting Chief Health Officer of CCC; Mohammad Shahnawaz, President of CMUJ and BSS Chattogram Bureau Chief; Golam Baki Masud, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society Chattogram City Unit; Z. M. Sajjadul Islam; Haji Saiful Alam; Engineer Rasudul Islam Rasud; Jewel Majumder; Engineer Wahid Imam Khan Sarat; Anik Khan; and leaders from various social, professional and volunteer organizations.
Following the discussion, guests, students, and volunteers participated in a colorful awareness rally through major roads of the city. Leaflets containing preventive measures against dengue and chikungunya were distributed among the public.
The organizers announced that CCC and Surakkha will jointly conduct month-long awareness campaigns across different wards of Chattogram to encourage community participation in preventing mosquito-borne diseases.