Staff Reporter :
The High Court (HC) on Sunday directed the two city corporations of Dhaka to take effective steps within 24 hours on priority basis to eradicate and destroy Aedes mosquito and take other preventive measures to stop the spread of Dengue, Chikongunia and other similar diseases in the city. In a Suo Moto move, the HC bench comprising Justice Tariq ul Hakim and Justice Md Shohrowardi also issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain as to why their inaction to eradicate Aedes Mosquito and stop the spread of Dengue, Chikongunia and similar diseases in Dhaka city should not be declared illegal and without lawful authority.
It also asked the authorities concerned to explain as to why legal action should not be taken against the persons responsible for failing to take effective steps for the prevention of the said diseases. The HC bench asked the Mayors and CEOs (Chief Executive officers) of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Secretaries of Health and Local Government and Rural Development and Director General of Health Department to implement its order and reply to the rule within four weeks.
In its order, the HC bench said, “Our attention has been drawn to a number of reports in the daily newspapers including today’s issue of various dailies where it has been reported that hundreds of persons in Dhaka City are suffering from Dengue, Chikongunia and similar other diseases due to the inaction of the authorities specially tow city corporations of Dhaka.
It has also been reported that more than eleven people died recently due to Dengue fever. Dhaka Medical College sources as well as other official sources have reportedly said that more than hundred people are admitted into the various hospital of the city everyday for Dengue and Chikongunia. Unofficial sources report a higher number. Unless something is done to stop this disease it will become an epidemic, we are therefore inclined to issue the following Suo Moto order.”
Assistant Attorney Generals Zaidy Hasan Khan and Saira Fairoz represented the state during the court proceedings.
