DNCC launches dengue awareness drive, orders removal of metro pillar posters

photo: collected

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has launched an awareness campaign to prevent dengue, including the distribution of awareness leaflets and an open letter among city residents.

DNCC Administrator Md Safiqul Islam Khan said three types of leaflets focusing on dengue prevention had already been printed. The materials will be distributed through regional executive officers to house owners’ associations, residential societies, mosques, madrasas and other community institutions.

He said he had also written an open letter urging residents to take greater responsibility for keeping their homes and surroundings clean. The letter will be distributed through the same channels.

Speaking at the inauguration of an anti-mosquito drive in Shewrapara on Saturday, Safiqul called on residents to actively participate in cleanliness initiatives and contribute to making Dhaka greener by establishing rooftop gardens and planting trees.

The DNCC administrator said nearly 70,000 trees had been planted across the city over the past seven months as part of efforts to make Dhaka cleaner and greener.

The tree plantation programme will be expanded to educational institutions, road medians and other suitable locations, he said, adding that various species had already been planted in forested areas under DNCC jurisdiction and in Uttara.

He also highlighted the corporation’s “Neo Forest” project in Diabari, where further greening initiatives are underway.

Safiqul urged residents to establish rooftop gardens and plant trees around their homes, assuring them of DNCC support.

Meanwhile, the DNCC administrator has given local leaders a 72-hour deadline to remove posters from metro rail pillars across the city.

He said political posters, coaching-centre advertisements and other promotional materials pasted on the pillars were damaging the city’s aesthetic appeal.

“I have given our local leaders a timeframe of 72 hours. Within this period, you will coordinate and remove these posters,” he said.

He also urged local leaders to take measures to prevent political posters and commercial advertisements from being put up on metro rail pillars again.

Safiqul called on residents to join a rally organised to raise awareness about cleanliness, greening and dengue prevention, while urging participants to maintain discipline during the programme.