Call to Intensify Law Enforcement Efforts to Build a Drug-Free Upazila

Members of the Shantiganj Upazila Law and Order Committee have called for intensified law enforcement efforts to establish Shantiganj in Sunamganj as a drug-free and safe upazila.

They also stressed the need for coordinated efforts by the administration, elected representatives, political leaders, civil society and law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking, prevent illegal migration abroad, control crime and ensure public safety.

The monthly meeting of the Upazila Law and Order Committee was held at 10:30am Thursday at the Upazila administration conference room. Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Hillol Chakma presided over the meeting.

The meeting discussed the overall law and order situation, drug control, crime prevention, public safety and other important issues in the upazila.

Shantiganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Oli Ullah and other speakers said drugs pose a serious threat to families, society and the state. They said strict legal action against drug dealers and suppliers, along with strong social resistance, is essential to protect the younger generation from the harmful effects of drugs.

They further said law enforcement agencies alone cannot eliminate drugs. Elected representatives, political leaders, teachers, religious leaders, parents and responsible citizens must also play an active role. People were urged to promptly inform law enforcement agencies if they receive information about drug dealing or consumption in their areas.

Among those who spoke at the meeting were Sunamganj District BNP convening committee member Md Anchan Uddin, former freedom fighters’ commander Ataur Rahman, District Jubo Dal acting president Aminur Rashid, Upazila BNP convener Haji Jalal Uddin, member secretary Rowshan Khan Sagar and Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Ahsan Habib.

Chairmen of several union parishads, representatives of professional and social organisations, religious leaders and journalists also attended the meeting.

The participants emphasised monitoring the law and order situation in different areas of the upazila, intensifying anti-drug operations, taking swift legal action against criminals and increasing public awareness.

In his concluding remarks, UNO Hillol Chakma urged everyone concerned to play a responsible role in maintaining peace and order in the upazila.

He also called for identifying and preparing lists of brokers involved in facilitating illegal migration abroad and bringing them under the law. He sought cooperation from people from all walks of life, alongside the administration and law enforcement agencies, to build a peaceful and crime-free Shantiganj.