An anti-drug rally and public gathering was held in Tongi's Ershad Nagar area on Sunday to raise awareness against drugs and keep youth away from substance abuse.
Organized by Bangladesh Nationalist Youth Unity's Ward No. 49 unit at Ershad Nagar Jagrani School Ground and the event called for unity against drugs regardless of political affiliation. Following a discussion meeting, participants marched from Block No. 8 through Ershad Nagar Block No. 1 and Tekbari Beribandh area, ending back at Block No. 8. Locals from various professions joined the rally, chanting slogans against drug abuse.
Attendees included Naziur Rahman Sumon, Ahsan Habib Sohel, SM Shakil Parvez, Liton Ahmed, Kalam Ahmed Tanmoy and Yakub Hossain Dhali, along with several local BNP-affiliated leaders and residents.
Speakers noted that a senior Gazipur Metropolitan Police official had recently flagged Ershad Nagar in connection with the Haji Mazar slum eviction in Tongi, underscoring the need for local resistance against drugs. They described Ershad Nagar as a model ward home to reputable institutions and educated residents, whose image, they said was being tarnished by a handful of drug dealers.
Speakers urged collective social and administrative action against those involved in the drug trade and called for legal measures against dealers and suppliers in the area. They appealed to residents, political and social organizations and local authorities to unite in building a drug-free Ershad Nagar.
