Helemul Alam

Excessive rainfall across Bangladesh is increasing the risk of an early dengue outbreak this year, prompting entomologists to call for immediate government action to eliminate mosquito breeding sources and strengthen public awareness campaigns.

With three days left before the official opening of makeshift cattle markets in Dhaka, sacrificial animals, particularly bulls, have started arriving at temporary markets ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

Despite adequate cattle production across the country ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, prices of sacrificial animals, particularly bulls, remain high due to increased production costs.

The two Dhaka city corporations have so far completed the leasing process for 17 makeshift cattle markets ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, with most leases going to BNP leaders or individuals linked to the party.

Dhaka’s two city corporations have identified 141 locations vulnerable to waterlogging ahead of the upcoming monsoon and said they are taking measures to reduce the risk.

With ongoing rainfall across the country, the risk of dengue transmission is expected to rise in the coming months if authorities fail to take necessary preventive measures, experts have warned.

The modernisation project of the Sufia Kamal National Public Library at Dhaka’s Shahbagh lies incomplete even after more than three years since the work began in 2022.

Just 10 days after a massive drive by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) to reclaim encroached footpaths and roads, many areas across the capital have again been occupied by hawkers.

Ignoring concerns raised by environmentalists, the government has constructed a around 20-foot-wide road through Osmani Udyan, connecting Fulbaria’s Phoenix Road with Abdul Gani Road to facilitate vehicular movement towards the Secretariat.

Bangladesh is likely to face a large-scale dengue outbreak this year unless authorities act swiftly to identify mosquito hotspots, eliminate breeding grounds ahead of the monsoon, and intensify public awareness campaigns, experts have warned.

As part of government directives, Dhaka’s two city corporations are set to take coordinated measures to ease traffic congestion, which include clearing footpaths and roads, introducing semi-automated traffic signals, and bringing rickshaws under a regulated framework.

With millions of residents leaving Dhaka ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, prompted by a seven-day holiday, experts have warned of a possible spike in dengue cases if preventive measures are not taken in time.

On a recent Thursday afternoon, traffic pressure was high at the Sonargaon intersection in Dhaka.

At Abul Hasnat Road in Satraowza, Old Dhaka, the aroma of sizzling paratha and simmering halim drifts through the narrow lanes every afternoon during Ramadan. Inside the century-old Ananda Confectionery, customers crowd the counters, carrying forward a culinary tradition that has endured for more than a hundred years.

Ananda Confectionery, founded in 1920, continues to anchor Old Dhaka’s iftar tables with timeless delicacies

Saiful Alam, a resident of Mirpur-12, has been suffering from severe mosquito bites over the past month as the mosquito menace has sharply increased in the area.

Rokshana Akhtar, a resident of Narayanganj, came to Chawkbazar with her son, Fuad Al-Fida, who recently passed his HSC examination, to enjoy the traditional iftar items at the historic market.

The new prime minister will decide on his official residence as the interim government has not finalised it so far, said Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan yesterday.

With only a day left before the national election, Dhaka wore a deserted look yesterday as many city residents left the capital to cast their votes in their respective constituencies.

Once a bustling thoroughfare just four to five years ago, the road stretching from the Dayaganj crossing to Jurain Railgate has now turned into a neglected and damaged route after Bangladesh Railway built a boundary wall along the rail line, significantly narrowing the road.