Daijiworld Media Network - Dhaka
Dhaka, Jun 21: Bangladesh has recorded two additional dengue-related deaths over the past 24 hours, taking the total number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease to nine so far in 2026, according to official health data.
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said 220 new patients were admitted to hospitals during the same period, pushing the cumulative number of infections this year to 4,900.
According to local media reports, the latest deaths were reported from the Barishal division and the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) area.
The DGHS data also showed that men account for 60 per cent of dengue infections reported this year, while women comprise the remaining 40 per cent.
Bangladesh had witnessed a severe dengue outbreak in 2025, recording 102,861 infections and 413 deaths, according to official figures.
Earlier this month, Bangladesh Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Husain announced that the government would not launch a nationwide dengue vaccination programme at this stage.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting on dengue prevention and treatment organised by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the minister said the vaccine is currently being used only in a limited number of countries, including Brazil, Malaysia, Australia and Thailand, and has not yet received universal acceptance globally.
He said Bangladesh, as a least developed country, could not hastily introduce a vaccination programme without thorough evaluation.
The minister warned that even a single adverse incident could undermine public confidence and expose the government to criticism for proceeding without adequate scientific assessment.
Husain said the matter had been discussed with the Prime Minister and that consultations would be held with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF before any decision is taken.
He added that Bangladesh would rely on guidance from the international community and would only move forward if the vaccine is considered both safe and effective.
The minister clarified that there are currently no plans to begin mass immunisation and reiterated that the government wanted to be transparent with the public about its position.
Dengue is a viral disease transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organization, many infected individuals may not develop symptoms, while common signs include high fever, severe headache, body aches, nausea and skin rashes.
Most patients recover within one to two weeks. However, severe dengue can lead to life-threatening complications and often requires hospitalisation and intensive medical care.