‘When is effective insecticide arriving?’

Expressing dissatisfaction over ineffectiveness of insecticides for mosquito control amid the outbreak of dengue fever in Dhaka and across the country, the High Court yesterday wanted to know when effective insecticide for eliminating mosquitoes will arrive in the country.

The HC directed the authorities concerned of the two Dhaka city corporations and the government to inform the court in this regard by tomorrow.

The bench of Justice Tariq Ul Hakim and Justice Md Shohrowardi passed the order while hearing a suo moto rule.

During hearing yesterday, the court also asked authorities of the two city corporations why the existing insecticide has not been effective in controlling the mosquito menace.

“We want effective insecticides be sprayed through fogger machines to kill mosquitoes. We don’t need to know how you will import the new chemicals. When can you bring the new effective insecticides?” the bench asked lawyers for the Dhaka city corporations and the state.

“You are spraying chemicals but mosquitoes are not dying. It’s like you have rifles but no bullets!” the HC remarked.

DNCC lawyer Barrister Toufiq Inam told the court that the existing insecticide is effective, but authorities concerned of the city corporations have decided to import more effective insecticides from China. Hopefully, the new insecticide will arrive in within two weeks, he said.

DSCC lawyer Advocate Sayed Ahmed Raja said the city corporations have taken a series of programmes including combined operations in order to prevent the menace.

He also said the number of dengue patients has come down due to measures taken by the city corporations.    

The HC bench in reply said, “Go to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and see the number of dengue patients.” 

Deputy Attorney General Kazi Mynul Hassan said the government has taken necessary measures to control mosquitoes, and to ensure proper treatment to dengue patients across the country.