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

‎The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has launched an awareness campaign to prevent dengue, with plans to distribute awareness leaflets and an open letter among residents across the city.

‎DNCC Administrator Md Safiqul Islam Khan said three types of leaflets had already been printed focusing on dengue prevention. The materials will be distributed through the corporation’s 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 city residents to take greater responsibility for keeping their homes and surroundings clean. The letter will be delivered to residents through the same channels.

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

‎Nearly 70,000 trees planted

‎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.

‎He said the tree plantation programme would be expanded to educational institutions, road medians and other suitable locations. Various species have already been planted in forested areas under the DNCC and in Uttara, he added.

‎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 that the city corporation would extend cooperation to such initiatives.

‎72-hour deadline to remove metro pillar posters

‎The DNCC administrator has also 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 harming the city’s aesthetic appearance.

‎“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 the metro rail pillars again.

‎The DNCC administrator called on residents to join a rally organised to raise awareness about cleanliness, greening and dengue prevention, and urged participants to maintain discipline during the programme.