With measles and dengue at worrying levels, the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) has called for urban planning to play a bigger part in protecting public health. At a press conference at the National Press Club on Friday, titled 'Measles and dengue: the role of urban planning in protecting public health', the institute said that alongside treatment and mosquito control, planned management of infrastructure, land use, drainage, waste, population density and open space can reduce the risks.
Presenting the keynote, BIP president Dr Muhammad Ariful Islam said Bangladesh's cities face growing crises of dengue, measles, waterlogging, air pollution, urban heat and unsafe water. Water collecting in buildings under construction, basements and lift pits creates breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes, he said, proposing that building approval include measures to stop water pooling and that construction sites face regular larva inspections.
Pointing to gaps in measles vaccine coverage and the risk of spread in crowded areas, he said planners have a role in land use and zoning, water and waste management, protecting open space, siting health facilities and data-based management of high-risk areas, which needs coordination among the health department, local government, WASA and development authorities.
Vice-president Sheikh Muhammad Mehedi Ahsan said public health must be seen not only as human illness but through the One Health lens of people, animals and the environment. He warned that rising industrial pollution in the Meghna and other major rivers could threaten safe water sources and called for effective plans covering the next 20 to 30 years.
Treasurer Abu Saleh Md Shahidullah said place-based planning can guide dengue control, the siting of vaccination points and hospitals, and could identify in advance where isolation or emergency care would be needed in a future pandemic like Covid-19. Board member Sadi Md Harun stressed public awareness and participation. General secretary Professor Dr Mu. Mosleh Uddin Hasan chaired the press conference.
This report is based on reporting by Desh Rupantor.
Photo: IbnSina20 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Source: Desh Rupantor
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