The foggy October mornings no longer carry messages of serenity; instead, the light of every dawn turns pale, greeted by wails in hospital corridors and the sighs of bereaved families. Dengue is no longer just a common illness; it is the cruel consequence of our indifference and negligence. On paper, there are countless guidelines and plans, yet in reality, we must constantly fight just to save a single life.

Beds Stretching in the Death Toll, Mothers' Laps Growing Heavier

Even on this terrifying day in October, the procession of death does not stop. In a single day, 9 precious lives have been snuffed out—the highest single-day death record this year. Within a span of 24 hours, 1,902 critically ill people have newly been admitted to hospitals. In every government hospital in Dhaka, corridors and floors are packed beyond capacity. The Health Minister has announced that government hospitals will not turn away any patient, and 300 new beds have been prepared. But the question arises: can these beds cover up our negligence? The pale face of the child lying on the hospital bed and the desperate cries of a helpless mother should have shaken our conscience today.

Guidelines Reduced to Dust by Negligence, Lives Held Hostage in the Kingdom of Mosquitoes

For years, expert entomologists have issued repeated warnings. In 2021, the "National Guideline for Prevention of Dengue and Other Mosquito-Borne Diseases" was formulated. But the most painful reality is that from unions to municipalities and city corporations—these guidelines are flouted everywhere. Although there is a rule to submit monthly reports on the mosquito situation, it remains confined merely to paper. Mosquito larvae are supposed to be destroyed in the morning and flying mosquitoes killed in the afternoon; yet, in reality, ordinary people see no effective mosquito-eradication initiatives. In many places, mosquito control workers face allegations of taking bribes—refusing to spray inside houses unless paid. Through our slight lack of awareness and the extreme negligence of those in authority, ordinary people are being pushed toward death step by step.

Children at the Greatest Risk Today, No Room for Delay

According to expert physicians, many of the children arriving at hospitals with dengue are in extremely critical condition. Professor Dr. Mirza Md. Ziaul Islam, Director of the Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute, emotionally reminded everyone that children require special attention. Neglecting even mild symptoms means pushing them toward death. On the other hand, Jahangirnagar University entomologist Professor Dr. Kabirul Bashar had previously warned that without science-based and effective steps, the situation could turn even more dire. Doctors say that it is not just falling platelets, but maintaining the body's fluid balance and arriving at the hospital on time that can save a life. Yet, many patients arrive at the hospital only when nothing more can be done.

Once a life is snuffed out, all warnings become meaningless. Now is the time, transcending partisan lines, to transform our beloved city into a safe haven through personal and social awareness alongside government initiatives. May not a single life lose to dengue anymore—let this be our sole pledge today.

Author: Dr. Abul Hasnat Milton, Journalist, Political Analyst, and Editor-in-Chief, The Source News Bangla