To combat the growing menace of drug abuse, experts and government officials have called for greater youth involvement and social awareness at a recent discussion meeting in Cox's Bazar.
Organised by the Association of Development Agencies in Bangladesh (ADAB), the event brought together government officials, NGO representatives, teachers, and students to strategize on building a drug-free society.
Bimal Chandra Sarkar, Vice President of ADAB, opened the meeting by noting that saving the youth from addiction requires a united social movement rather than relying solely on the state.
Nahid Hasan Saurav, Assistant Director of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC), echoed this sentiment, stating that law enforcement alone cannot eradicate the drug crisis. He stressed the importance of strengthening family ties and focusing on the rehabilitation of addicts rather than stigmatising them.
Similarly, Md. Abdul Awal from the Department of Social Services urged for stronger, targeted anti-drug campaigns in educational institutions. Adding to this, AK Rahat Khan, Assistant Director of the Youth Development Department, said that engaging young people in creative and work-oriented activities is the most effective way to keep them away from drugs.
Presiding over the session, Subrata Dutta reaffirmed the necessity of a widespread social movement. Hosted by Nurul Azim, the program concluded with an anti-drug oath administered by Nahid Hasan Saurav, where all attendees pledged to say "no" to drugs.
