Mongla, Sept 8 (V7N) – A cleanliness drive was organized in Mongla to prevent dengue and chikungunya, with a focus on community awareness and mosquito control. The campaign took place at College Mor, Ward 7 of Mongla Pourashava, at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, under the initiative of BRAC.
 
The opening ceremony was attended by Professor K.M. Rabbani, Principal of Mongla Government College, as chief guest. The event was presided over by local civic leader and Pasur River Waterkeeper journalist Md. Noor Alam Sheikh. Other speakers included Dr. Asit Basu, Secretary of the Mongla Government College Teachers’ Association, Lecturer Shyama Prasad Sen, BNP Ward Organizing Secretary Golam Noor Jony, BNP leader Md. Faruk Hossain, Pasur River Waterkeeper volunteer Dollar Molla, Arafat Amin Durjoy, youth leader Mehedi Hasan, BRAC Climate Change and Health Project Officer Sanat Kumar, TB Control Project Officer Abu Zafar, Field Organizer Noor E Alam, and other BRAC representatives.
 
The program was conducted in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination and Aedes-borne Disease Control Program under the Directorate General of Health Services, the Ministry of Family Welfare, and Pasur River Waterkeeper. The initiative focused on clearing waste from streets and promoting sanitation across the town.
 
Speakers emphasized the need to create a social movement to prevent dengue and chikungunya. They highlighted that lack of awareness has led to increased outbreaks in Bagerhat and Mongla, particularly in schools and busy marketplaces. They urged local authorities to intensify sanitation campaigns and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
 
Participants stressed that maintaining clean yards and surroundings, combined with destroying Aedes mosquito habitats, is crucial. They noted that dengue prevention requires active citizen participation alongside government initiatives. Organizers expressed hope that community awareness and combined action can successfully prevent dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.
 
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