Warning that dengue is assuming epidemic proportions akin to the COVID-19 pandemic, public health experts, jurists and civic leaders on Tuesday called for immediate, robust government intervention rather than relying solely on awareness campaigns.
Speakers made the urgent appeal at a seminar titled "Actionable Steps to Prevent Dengue" organized by the Bangladesh Nature and Environmental Foundation at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) auditorium.
Presided over by Manarat International University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Abdur Rob, the event featured Supreme Court former Justice Syed Shahidur Rahman as the chief guest. The keynote paper was presented by Professor Dr. Md. Mostafizur Rahman, head of the Department of Pediatrics at the Institute of Child and Mother Health (ICMH).
Call for Local Government Empowerment and Accountability
Addressing the gathering former Justice Syed Shahidur Rahman criticized the current lack of elected representation across local government bodies including city corporations which he said leaves citizens deprived of essential services.
"Dengue prevention cannot be limited to discussion meetings and seminars aimed solely at raising public awareness; it requires effective government action" Justice Rahman said. He urged the government to activate local government institutions to ensure proper citizen services and vector control.
Speakers and special guests including Nexus Defence and Justice Chairman Brigadier General (retd) Hasan Nasir former Ambassador Sakib Ali, and cardiologist Professor Dr. Khorshed Ali Miah pointed out that over one hundred thousand dengue cases have been identified yet visible and effective steps from authorities remain lacking. They noted that shortages in proper treatment facilities are causing severe suffering for patients and their families.
Critique of Government and Political Accountability
In his presidential address, Professor Dr. Mohammad Abdur Rob sounded a stern alarm over the escalating crisis, stating that despite tens of thousands of infections, proactive state measures are largely absent.
"If politics is solely about power, political parties lose their accountability to the people" Professor Rob remarked, adding that opposition and social organizations currently appear more active in public welfare initiatives. He called upon the government to take immediate, tangible steps to combat the mounting health threat while urging other social foundations to continue public awareness drives.
The seminar also heard insights from former Additional Secretary Abdul Halim, National Doctors Forum Dhaka South President Dr. Maruf Shahriar and Dhaka Medical College Hospital Associate Professor of Pediatrics Dr. Nur Uddin Talukdar.
