The mosquito infestation in Mymensingh city has reached alarming levels, leaving thousands of residents struggling to cope with the worsening situation. Despite repeated complaints, the Mymensingh City Corporation (MCC) has yet to take effective measures to address the problem, according to residents.

Monira Sultana, a homemaker from the city's Durgabari Road area, said mosquito coils are now essential even during the daytime.

Shopkeepers are also struggling with the issue, as they must use coils in their establishments. Mohammad Shahjahan, who runs a medicine shop in Swadeshi Bazar, said the practice is not only costly but also unhealthy.

Students are among those hit hardest by the infestation. Maisha Tabassum, an HSC examinee from Boundary Road, said the mosquito menace has made concentrating on studies nearly impossible.

The issue has also led to a sharp increase in the sale of mosquito coils, according to Rupom Sarker, a grocer at Yadav Lahiri Lane.

Locals said unclean drains and scattered garbage are key contributors to the problem.

Akter Mahmud, a resident of Aamlapara, said stagnant water mixed with waste has created breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Despite the urgent need for regular cleaning of these areas, locals alleged that MCC's conservancy and sanitation workers are rarely seen in action.

Nazrul Islam Chunnu, president of the citizens' forum "Jonouddyogh, Mymensingh," said it is essential to take immediate action to curb the menace.

Contacted, Deepak Mazumder, the food and sanitation officer, said there is a severe shortage of mosquito control workers, with only 19 employees available for the task. Each ward requires at least 20 workers, but the city has been operating with a municipal staff pattern designed for 21 wards, even though it now has 33 wards.

Mohabbat Ali, MCC's waste management officer, said regular drives are being conducted to clean drains and canals.Dr HK Devnath, chief health officer of MCC, said the city has launched an anti-mosquito crash programme as a priority. Measures include spraying insecticides and clearing bushes that serve as breeding grounds.

While the situation remains dire, Dr Devnath reported that there have been no dengue-related deaths in the city, although 90 cases of dengue fever have been recorded since January last year.