Bangladesh Health Minister Sardar Md. Shakhawat Hossain said dengue has become a major national challenge rather than an ordinary disease. Speaking as chief guest at a workshop titled ‘Clinical Management of Dengue’ organized by the Bangladesh Society of Medicine at Bangladesh Medical University, he emphasized that combating dengue requires collective effort from all levels of society, not just the health ministry or hospitals.

The minister described the situation as a ‘total fight,’ stressing that cleaning drains, stagnant water, and water hyacinth areas is essential to success. He noted that while vaccination is under consideration, it remains costly and difficult to implement, requiring a large budget if repeated every four months. Therefore, prevention should take priority over treatment. Hospitals across the country are being prepared to handle dengue patients, and doctors are receiving training to improve treatment skills. The ministry has already procured around 250,000 saline units to meet demand.

BMU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. F. M. Siddiqui and other health officials highlighted the need for constant monitoring of dengue patients and early detection of plasma leakage to prevent fatal complications.