Khulna Metropolitan BNP has demanded that Khulna be declared a pandemic area and that emergency health services be launched immediately amid a severe rise in dengue infections. From January 1 to August 24 this year, 4,604 dengue patients were admitted to hospitals across Khulna division and 16 died, according to the report. A further 215 patients were admitted in the past 24 hours, while public and private hospitals, including Khulna Medical College Hospital, struggle with overcrowding.

At an emergency meeting at the party office on KD Ghosh Road on Monday afternoon, BNP leaders said authorities had failed to take effective action in time. They alleged that government hospitals lack the infrastructure to handle the patient load and that bed shortages are forcing patients to stay on dirty floors, verandas and in other wards. They also criticised what they described as showpiece fogging, saying action against mosquito larvae has been inadequate.

The leaders called for regular larvicide application in alleys, drains, water bodies and breeding sites in every city ward, alongside stronger cleanup drives to remove stagnant water. They also demanded free dengue tests, platelet arrangements and necessary treatment at government and private hospitals. The meeting praised volunteer wing activists for conducting mosquito-control work with their own funding.