(BSS) - Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu today urged everyone to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to protect themselves from dengue and chikungunya.

He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced a nationwide regular cleanliness campaign or "Cleanliness Drive" every Saturday starting today to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.

The minister said emphasis has been placed on keeping houses, yards, drains and water reservoirs clean to destroy the breeding grounds of Aedes mosquitoes before the rainy season.

He made the remarks while inaugurating a cleanliness campaign at Gangpara Canal near Baya Bridge in Paba upazila of the district.

Minu said Aedes mosquitoes usually breed in clean stagnant water on rooftops, flower pots and other places.

"Therefore, it is extremely important to ensure that water does not accumulate in such places and that surroundings remain clean," he added.

He also noted that mosquito-borne diseases have become a concern in both rural and urban areas, with many people infected every year.

Speaking on the occasion, Member of Parliament (MP) Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon said the cleanliness campaign had been launched to prevent the breeding of dengue-carrying Aedes mosquitoes.

The district administration organized the programme with support from the upazila administration and Nawhata Municipality. Divisional Commissioner and Administrator of Rajshahi City Corporation Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid presided over the function.

Among others, Deputy Commissioner Afia Akhtar, Superintendent of Police Md. Naimul Hasan, Deputy Director of the Local Government Zakiul Islam and Additional Deputy Commissioners Sabur Ali and Mohinul Hasan were present.

Earlier, in a video message on Wednesday, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged people to take preventive measures against dengue and chikungunya, following which the nationwide weekly cleanliness drive began today.