SUSHANTA GHOSH, Barishal

Residents of Barishal are grappling with a worsening mosquito infestation, alleging that the Barishal City Corporation’s (BCC) anti-mosquito measures have failed to provide relief.

Patients at Barishal General Hospital said that the situation is particularly difficult, with mosquito bites making it difficult to rest or recover.

Firoza Begum, admitted with asthma, said she somehow copes during the day, but is left “helpless” against mosquito attacks in the evening.

Another patient, Md Raju, who was admitted to the diarrhoea ward recently, said the mosquito infestation has made conditions so unbearable that he plans to leave the hospital early.

Hospital authorities also acknowledged the problem.

Residential Medical Officer Dr Moloy Krishna Baral said clogged drains and stagnant water across the low-lying hospital premises have created ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

He said they have informed the civil surgeon’s office and the Public Works Department several times to raise the drainage level, otherwise it will continue to provide a favourable condition for mosquitoes, but to no avail.

Limited cleaning by the city corporation in recent weeks has not significantly improved the situation, he added.

The problem extends beyond the hospital, affecting residential areas, markets, educational institutions, and offices across the city.

SSC candidates are also among those affected.

According to the Barishal education board’s exam controller’s office, around 80,000 students are sitting for SSC exams, while over 60,000 are appearing for equivalent tests under the Technical Education Board, bringing the total to nearly 1,40,000 examinees in the region.

Many students say mosquito infestations are disrupting their studies, particularly in the evenings.

BCC officials say they are continuing control efforts but face resource constraints.

Swapan Kumar Das, in charge of the mosquito control programme, said 42 workers are currently conducting operations in five wards daily on a rotational basis using 30 fogger machines.

“We cannot cover all 30 wards simultaneously due to manpower shortages,” he said, adding that Barishal’s numerous rivers, canals and drains create favourable breeding conditions.

BCC Chief Executive Officer Md Rezaul Bari said the effectiveness of the current insecticide may have declined after prolonged use.

“We suspect resistance has developed. We are trying to switch insecticides and strengthen routine programmes,” he said.

However, residents say the measures are insufficient.

Gazi Jahid Hossain, convener of the Conscious Citizens Committee, said mosquito control efforts would not be effective unless all wards are covered simultaneously. “Otherwise, mosquitoes will simply move from one area to another,” he said.