Dhaka, March 26, (V7N) — The Ministry of Education has instructed all schools, colleges, and universities across the country to conduct special cleanliness drives ahead of reopening after the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, aiming to curb the spread of dengue.

The directive was issued on Wednesday through an office order signed by Senior Assistant Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, Md Rajibul Alam.

According to the order, dengue cases have recently increased at an alarming rate nationwide, including in the capital, Dhaka, due to the expansion of Aedes mosquito breeding sites. Stagnant water in containers, flower pots, and discarded waste has been identified as a major contributor to mosquito breeding.

The ministry noted that regular cleaning activities were disrupted during the extended Ramadan and Eid holidays, as educational institutions remained closed.

It also warned that seasonal rainfall and rising humidity could further elevate the risk of dengue transmission in the coming days.

The directive, issued following a demi-official (DO) letter from the Health Services Division, requires both government and private educational institutions to ensure thorough cleaning of their premises before resuming academic activities.

Officials stressed that timely preventive measures will be crucial in reducing dengue risks as students return to campuses across the country.

END/AJ/RH