, Oct. 17 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged students and young people to play an active role in preventing dengue by keeping their homes, educational institutions and surroundings clean, saying the fight against the disease cannot depend on government efforts alone.

"Prevention is the best way to fight dengue, and for that, we must keep our surroundings clean. I need your help in this effort," he said.

The prime minister made the call while speaking to members of the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) and Scouts during a visit to Rajuk Uttara Model College to observe cleanliness activities aimed at preventing dengue, said his Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.

He said the country could make significant progress i...