Helemul Alam

The authorities' failure to take proper measures early this year has led to the deadly dengue outbreak and the hot and humid weather only made matters worse, experts say.

The dengue situation in the country is alarming as the mosquito-borne virus has already spread to 60 districts.

October has become the deadliest month in terms of dengue fatalities. Of the 148 dengue related deaths this year, 86 were recorded in last month alone. 

The surge in dengue cases in the country could continue longer than expected because of the rain.

Dengue has still not loosened its grip on the country, as infections keep piling up. Cases this year reached 28,698 yesterday, the second highest since 2000, when the country witnessed the first-ever outbreak.

At least 10,846 dengue patients were admitted to hospitals across the country in only 17 days this month, up from 9,911 in the entire month of September.

With the number of dengue cases soaring every day across the country, hospitals especially those in the capital are struggling to deal with the patients, health officials say while experts suggest immediate steps to control Aedes mosquitoes.

An independent commission is essential to protect all heritage sites, as authorities concerned are not working properly, said Taimur Islam, chief executive of the conservation organisation Urban Study Group.

Eight dengue patients died, while 765 were admitted to hospitals across the country yesterday.

The government has approved a project to revive four canals of  Dhaka to reduce the capital’s waterlogging woes.

Surrounded by greenery on  all sides, Bahadur Shah Park stands proud with its rich history and  enriched architectural features at Old Dhaka’s Laxmibazar.

Life was never easy for 40-year-old Hosne Ara. Amid constant struggles, the 40-year-old car showroom cleaner worked hard and supported her family to the best of her ability.

Just the first three days of October, till Monday, saw six people die from dengue and 1,728 being hospitalised across the country. In September alone, 34 died and 9,911 were admitted to hospitals.

For decades, the residents of Mirpur-11 have made themselves well-acquainted with the only open space they have, the one located on Paris Road. Many grew up playing there every day after school, and many made lifelong friends and memories after spending hours on end in the field.

Twenty-four dengue patients have died so far in the country, of whom, 21 died in the last eight months.

Shahida Quader, a resident of Khilgaon area, is waiting for an operation on her ankle, as it didn’t heal after two months of treatment.

Earlier this year, this newspaper ran a report on how Dhaka city’s two ancient structures -- Boro Katra and Chhoto Katra -- were at the verge of extinction due to rampant encroachment in absence of government measures to preserve them.

The latest Detailed Area Plan for the capital has many new components like density mapping, school zoning and transport-oriented development, but its outcome will depend on proper implementation.

The recently approved Detailed Area Plan (DAP) promises a better Dhaka by solving perennial problems of the capital, but it has legalised some residential areas developed in conservable flood-flow zones over the years, experts say.

After repeatedly failing to prevent hawkers from taking over the capital’s roads, Dhaka South City Corporation is set to introduce a new system, in a bid to reduce traffic congestion.