Bangladesh is facing its deadliest spell of dengue fever in 2025, with health officials reporting 12 deaths in a single day on Sunday, the highest daily toll so far this year.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the latest fatalities raised the nationwide death count to 179 since January, underscoring how fast the mosquito-borne disease is tightening its grip. 

Hospitals admitted 740 new patients in just 24 hours, bringing total confirmed cases this year to 48,831. At least 2,021 people are currently receiving treatment across the country.

The victims were spread across several regions, showing how widespread the crisis has become: five died in Barishal division, three in Dhaka North City Corporation, two in Dhaka South, and one each in Chattogram and Mymensingh.

Fresh infections mirrored this wide reach. Barishal (outside city areas) recorded 165 cases, followed by Dhaka (outside city) with 147, Dhaka North 122, Dhaka South 115, Chattogram 77, Khulna 52, Rajshahi 28, Mymensingh 22, Sylhet nine and Rangpur three.

Public-health experts warned that the outbreak is intensifying at a pace not seen since last year, when dengue claimed 575 lives nationwide. They urged swift, coordinated efforts to control mosquito breeding and strengthen hospital readiness as case numbers climb.

Without aggressive vector control and adequate hospital preparedness, we risk surpassing last year’s toll, one health official said, stressing the need for sustained community awareness alongside government interventions.

The record-high daily deaths signal a grim challenge for health authorities already stretched by seasonal illnesses and a heavy patient load in urban hospitals.