Minister Urges Local Technology for Mosquito Control

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for greater use of locally developed technologies and innovations to combat dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases, saying Bangladesh should gradually reduce its dependence on imported mosquito control solutions.

On Monday, 20 July, speaking virtually at a seminar organised by Youth to World at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium in Ramna, the minister said many conventional mosquito control chemicals and technologies are no longer as effective as before. He stressed the need to conduct pilot evaluations of locally developed technologies and chemicals to verify their effectiveness.

He said successful local innovations could significantly strengthen the government's mosquito control programme, reduce reliance on imported chemicals, lower public expenditure and create new opportunities for domestic industries and employment.

The minister noted that the government is already implementing coordinated nationwide programmes to prevent dengue through source reduction, environmental cleanliness and larval control. Integrating new indigenous technologies into these initiatives could further improve their effectiveness.

He also urged city corporations and relevant agencies to independently evaluate locally developed mosquito control technologies and adopt them if proven effective.

At the seminar, Bangladeshi innovator M. A. Hamid presented a locally developed mosquito larvae control technology. He said local production and innovation would reduce import dependency, improve quality control and strengthen public health protection.

Hamid added that mosquito control requires coordinated efforts involving the government, local authorities and the public. Regular larval control activities combined with accessible and safe technologies would enable households to play a greater role in eliminating mosquito breeding sites.

Special guest Engineer Shahreen Islam Tuhin, Convener of the Institution of Engineers' Association of Bangladesh, said many talented Bangladeshi innovators fail to commercialise their inventions due to limited financial and institutional support.

He noted that Hamid's innovation has already received recognition and awards in Malaysia but has yet to receive adequate support at home. He called for an independent evaluation of the technology to determine its effectiveness.

Speakers at the seminar said locally developed mosquito control technologies could not only improve public health but also create new industries, employment opportunities, technological expertise and export potential, while strengthening Bangladesh's position in the global public health technology sector.
//DBTech/BNT/SME//