, March 11 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday called on people to adopt preventive measures against dengue and chikungunya, announcing that a nationwide cleanliness drive will start on March 14 to safeguard people from the deadly mosquito-borne diseases.

"Deadly diseases like dengue and chikungunya have caused loss of life. But, if we all become aware, it is possible to protect ourselves from dengue and chikungunya," he said in a special video message to the nation.

Referring to experts, the Prime Minister said people become infected with dengue or chikungunya through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes. "So, it is necessary to take all preventive measures in advance to protect against dengue."

Although dengue usually spreads most ...