Dengue Prevention Rally at Mugda Hospital, State Minister Habibur Rashid Urges Clearing Standing Water
Habibur Rashid Habib, the member of parliament for Dhaka-9, has called on people to fulfil their responsibilities at the personal, family and community levels to prevent dengue. He is the state minister for the Ministry of Railways and the Road Transport and Highways Division.
He made the call on Saturday (31 October) at a programme organised by the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB). He spoke to journalists after a cleanliness and awareness rally on dengue prevention at Mugda Medical College Hospital.
The state minister said: 'Getting treatment after being infected with dengue is a difficult matter, so taking preventive measures beforehand is easier. For this, everyone must stay alert to stop the spread of Aedes mosquitoes, alongside keeping water from accumulating around homes, in courtyards, on roofs and in other places.'
He said people usually become aware of the issue only when a family member is infected with dengue. But many do not attach importance to personal, family and social duties such as clearing standing water around the home, in courtyards, on roofs, in tubs and elsewhere to stop the spread of the dengue-carrying Aedes mosquito.
Citing doctors, he said preventing dengue is far easier than recovering after infection. Keeping one's own surroundings clean and staying alert to stop Aedes breeding is therefore essential, he said.
Speaking about medical services at Mugda Medical College Hospital, Habibur Rashid Habib said the hospital was once mainly a place of reliance for local people. Patients now come there from across the country. Alongside expanded treatment facilities in various areas, opportunities for dengue treatment have also increased at the hospital.
He said ordinary people of the area depend on this hospital. If they fail to get treatment there, they have no alternative place to go. He therefore called on DAB leaders to ensure the necessary manpower and support so the hospital can give people the highest level of service. He also asked them to continue cooperating to preserve the hospital's reputation.
On carrying out government duties, he said initiatives on cleanliness or awareness should not be taken only when the prime minister visits an area. Everyone must carry out their duties properly from their own position.
He said: 'The present government, elected by the people's vote, is working to establish a new Bangladesh, democracy, development and prosperity. The prime minister is trying day and night to meet the people's expectations. If everyone associated with the government fulfils their duties from their own position, much can be achieved collectively.'
Warning against negligence in duty, the state minister said a government elected by the people's vote is accountable to the people. The government is obliged to serve the people. If anyone is negligent in carrying out their duties, the government will not spare them.
