Minister and Mayor bitten by mosquitoes during canal cleaning inspection

Local Government Minister Tajul Islam and Dhaka North City (DNCC) Mayor Atiqul Islam encountered a mosquito nuisance while observing canal cleaning activities in Uttara, the capital.

Both officials attended the program on Wednesday morning, alongside RAJUK chairman Anichur Rahman Mia and senior officials from Dhaka North City. However, during Minister Tajul Islam and Mayor Atiqul Islam‍‍`s speeches, mosquitoes disrupted the proceedings, biting everyone present.

Witnesses observed ministers, mayors, and others swatting away mosquitoes and itching from their bites. Despite efforts to repel mosquitoes with aerosols, the mosquito presence persisted. At one point, Minister Tajul Islam himself requested an aerosol to address the issue.

In response to the situation, Tajul Islam emphasized the importance of public cooperation in mosquito control efforts, urging citizens to actively participate in mosquito eradication. He stressed the potential health risks associated with mosquito bites and assured that the Ministry of Health would provide treatment if needed. Additionally, plans are underway to gradually hand over abandoned and unresolved canals to the city corporation for management.

Echoing the sentiment, Mayor Atiqul Islam emphasized the need to address mosquito breeding grounds, particularly in areas such as Gulshan-Baridhara. He highlighted the challenges posed by stagnant water bodies and expressed frustration over delays in transferring canal management responsibilities from agencies like Rajuk and Wasa to the city corporation. Mayor Atiqul Islam reiterated the commitment of the city corporation to clean these canals thoroughly, prioritizing public health and well-being.