After beggars, Bangladesh’s all-out war on mosquitoes to ensure bite-free World Cup

DHAKA - After deciding to pay local beggars to stay off the streets during the World Cup, Bangladesh has launched an all-out war on mosquitoes in and around cricket stadiums to ensure a bite-free World Cup for spectators and players.

Authorities have already evicted hawkers and beggars, forced worn-out buses off the roads and banned laundry from being hung out near stadiums to improve Dhaka’s image

The Dhaka City Corporation has deployed spray teams to wipe out mosquitoes at the city’s two stadiums, which will host the opening ceremony and six World Cup matches, said health chief Brigadier General Nasir Uddin.

“Mosquitoes have been breeding alarmingly in recent months so we have taken special measures to kill mosquitoes in the stadiums and for three kilometres around them,” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted him, as saying.

“Our special teams headed by DCC officers have been spraying extensively in every open space, drain, pond and sewer to make sure no mosquito can breed. We want to ensure a mosquito-free World Cup for spectators,” said Brigadier General Nasir Uddin.

Malaria is usually restricted to rural areas of Bangladesh, but dengue fever is common in towns.

The World Cup will be the biggest event that Bangladesh has hosted since gaining independence in 1971. (ANI)