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dengue vaccination programme immediately without consulting international organisations and experts,” he said, adding that discussions would be held with the World Health Organization, Unicef and other relevant bodies before any decision is taken in this regard.

The minister also sought cooperation from the media and private hospitals in raising public awareness about dengue prevention.

He urged television channels to broadcast dengue awareness messages during programme breaks and asked city corporations to intensify drives to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds in abandoned toilets and other places where water accumulates.

Punitive measures, including mobile court actions, would be taken against individuals who fail to maintain cleanliness and allow mosquito breeding, he warned.

“Dengue prevention is not the responsibility of the government alone; it is a collective responsibility. Like the Covid-19 pandemic, everyone must work together to tackle the challenge,” said the minister.

Besides, coordinated efforts involving doctors, nurses, hospital owners, media outlets and local administrations would be crucial to keeping the dengue situation under control, he added.

The minister also said the government would directly contact patients to monitor whether hospitals are providing the announced facilities and services.

A nationwide awareness campaign will be launched, and rallies will be held simultaneously at 10:00am on Saturday in Dhaka North City Corporation, Dhaka South City Corporation, all divisional headquarters and district towns, he said.

The campaign, which will continue for three months, will include public announcements, media advertisements, community meetings and courtyard gatherings aimed at mobilising public participation in dengue prevention, he added.