Chapainawabganj, October 22, 2026 (V7N) – Health Services Division Secretary Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid said Thursday that the country's dengue situation is expected to come under control by the end of this month, citing ongoing cleanliness drives and treatment preparedness at hospitals.
"We hope the dengue situation would return to normal and decline by October. Frequent intermittent rainfall is one of the major reasons behind the higher prevalence of dengue this year," Rashid said after inspecting the 250-bed Chapainawabganj District Hospital in the afternoon.
The secretary noted that infection numbers did not rise suddenly, pointing out that large numbers of people were infected with dengue last year and the year before as well.
Rashid said patients arriving at hospitals are receiving proper treatment, with adequate supplies of medicines, saline and other necessary equipment available.
Although Chapainawabganj is a dengue hotspot, he said the situation has not yet gone out of control. "However, everyone needs to remain cautious to prevent infection," the secretary added.
Noting that special cleanliness drives are being conducted across the country, he said, "We are regularly visiting areas identified as dengue hotspots. As part of this initiative, I am visiting Chapainawabganj, one of the eight to 10 major hotspots identified across the country."
He described the district as one of the major red zones, saying more than 150 dengue patients were admitted to the hospital on Thursday.
"There is no alternative to public awareness in this situation. People must keep the areas around their homes clean and ensure that rainwater does not accumulate in containers," Rashid said, stressing the need for everyone to use mosquito nets at hospitals and at home.
During the visit, the health secretary inspected various areas around the hospital, including the kitchen and different wards, including the dengue ward. He later exchanged views with health department and administration officials, physicians, public representatives and political leaders.
Chapainawabganj Deputy Commissioner Abu Saleh Md Musa Zangi, Zilla Parishad Administrator Harunur Rashid and Civil Surgeon Dr AKM Shahab Uddin were present at the meeting, among others.
Officials did not announce additional emergency measures, but the Health Services Division is expected to continue hotspot surveillance and cleanliness campaigns through the end of October, when the situation is projected to improve.
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