Jail, fines if aedes larvae found in homes, offices from 27 Apr: Dhaka North Mayor Atiq

The Dhaka North City Corporation will take legal actions, including imprisonment and imposing fines, if aedes larvae are found in homes or offices from 27 April, Mayor Atiqul Islam said on Monday (22 April).

"My message is clear: If we find Aedes larvae, you will be sued, jailed, fined and the amount of the fine will be much higher [than before]. We have already requested the local government ministry to assign more magistrates," he said while inaugurating a month-long campaign on dengue prevention in the capital's Mirpur area.

Mayor Atiq also said, "If larvae are found in a government office, the person in charge of that office will be sued and fined. Even if larvae are found in any office of the city corporation, action will be taken against the officials of that office."

He stated that Dhaka North launched the month-long campaign in line with the recommendations of a technical committee of experts.

The mayor said if the people become aware, then there would be no need for jail, fines, and lawsuits.

"Dispose of the accumulated water once every three days to stop breeding of the Aedes mosquitoes. Aedes mosquitoes do not breed in the dirty water of canals and drains. Aedes mosquitoes breed in stagnant clear water."

Mayor Atiq called on city corporation residents not to throw away shells of coconut, polythene, packets of chips, cups of ice cream, or cups of curd.

To prevent mosquito breeding, the Dhaka North City Corporation is offering cash for abandoned materials that accumulate water and become breeding grounds for Aedes larvae.

"This includes old tyres, broken toilets (commodes), and paint cans. Instead of leaving them on your roof or balcony, bring them to your local Dhaka North councillor and receive cash in return," the mayor added.