Authorities using bizarre methods, failing in mosquito control: entomologists

Authorities are adopting "bizarre" methods in the name of mosquito control amid the surge in dengue infections, a group of entomologists said today.

At a press event titled "Why this Dengue Epidemic? What's the solution?'' they said authorities have failed to mitigate the crisis while adopting unscientific approaches to mosquito control.

During the press conference at Cirdap Auditorium in Dhaka, the Bangladesh Vector Management Group emphasised the need for a collaborative effort among city dwellers to control mosquitos.

Monjur Ahmed Choudhury, chairman of the National River Conservation Commission and an entomologist, said, "Bizarre attempts at mosquito control are taking place using frogs, deer, and ducks, which is unprecedented globally."

He stressed the importance of taking effective measures. "According to the World Health Organization, separating mosquitoes from humans is key to reducing dengue."

According to him, to fight mosquitoes, it's important to use mosquito nets and repellent sprays, wear full-sleeved clothes and full trousers, and regularly discard stagnant water.

Entomologists also expressed their scepticism about the authenticity of the bacteria (Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis, or BTI) imported by Dhaka North City Corporation for mosquito larvae control.

Tahmina Aktar, a medical entomologist from Jahangirnagar University, stated that the claim about the presence of Aedes mosquitoes in canals and lakes lacks scientific evidence and is baseless.

"As of yet, there have been no complete studies conducted on the matter," she added.

Monjur Ahmed Choudhury said, "Authorities are being delusional, choosing to follow unscientific claims of a few people, causing both the failure of mosquito control and dengue-related deaths."

Former secretary Margub Morshed, entomologist Indrani Dhara, and Professor Saifur Rahman of the National University attended the press conference among others.