Helemul Alam

The risk of dengue could rise sharply after the Eid-ul-Azha holidays, as rainfall during the period may have created numerous mosquito breeding grounds, experts warned.

Although the monsoon season is approaching, the health authorities have yet to take any initiative to conduct the pre-monsoon entomological survey that experts say is crucial for identifying mosquito breeding hotspots and preventing a major dengue outbreak.

Dhaka drivers are gradually changing their long-ingrained traffic habits as AI-based enforcement and semi-automated traffic signals reshape behaviour at major intersections across the city.

It was around 1:00pm yesterday. By then, most sacrificial animals across Dhaka had already been sacrificed, but Habibur Rahman was still sitting at the Kachukhet cattle market with his two remaining bulls, hoping to reduce his mounting losses.

“Trader brothers, do not panic or become frustrated. Please remain patient; customers will come after evening,” an announcer was heard saying repeatedly over loudspeakers around 4:00pm yesterday at Kamalapur cattle market.

With just two days left before Eid-ul-Azha, trading of sacrificial animals gained pace at cattle markets across Dhaka yesterday as buyers rushed to complete their purchases.

The heavy downpours in Dhaka yesterday and on the day before brought relief to cattle traders as the scorching heat had put sacrificial animals at risk of heatstroke ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

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.