Local administration, public representatives, political leaders, and citizens must work together to strictly suppress the drug trade and eliminate safe havens for criminals, speakers urged at a citizen rally in Pabna on Sunday.
The Sujanagar Upazila administration organized the midday event at Sujanagar Bazar to build public awareness and consensus against drug dealers, terrorists, and extortionists.
Addressing the rally as the chief guest, Pabna-2 Member of Parliament Advocate AKM Selim Reza Habib highlighted the current government's strict anti-drug stance following the recent political transition. He noted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has initiated a planned approach to governance and national reform since returning from exile and winning the national election.
"To build a better society, we must first change our own morals," Habib said. He highlighted the government's bold steps in protecting national interests, citing the Padma and Teesta barrage initiatives.
Habib announced that three separate committees have been formed in the constituency to combat drugs, terrorism, and extortion. "Lists of offenders have been prepared, and the administration will take strict legal action based on these lists. Those involved in these crimes will have no place in our society," he said.
The MP also issued a stern warning against political vendettas and internal corruption. "If any BNP leader or activist is found involved in drug offenses or extortion, they will be immediately expelled from the party," he warned. He added that complaint boxes and a hotline will be established in the upazila to allow citizens to report crimes safely.
Pabna Deputy Commissioner Aminul Islam, who presided over the event, emphasized that while laws exist, political consensus and a mass public movement are essential to truly eradicate drugs. "We must raise public awareness at all levels before more people become victims," he said.
Pabna Police Superintendent Md. Sufi Ullah, attending as a special guest, reiterated the district's "zero tolerance" policy. He noted that thousands of drug offenders have recently been arrested and faced summary trials in coordination with the judiciary. He urged citizens to hand over criminals to law enforcement rather than taking the law into their own hands, and called on teachers and parents to strictly monitor their youth.
Sujanagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mir Rasheduzzaman Rashed delivered the welcome address. The rally was attended by various officials, including NSI Pabna Deputy Director Tawfiq Iqbal, District Narcotics Control Deputy Director Shahidul Mannaf Kabir, and Sujanagar Police Station OC Mozaffar Hossain, alongside several local political leaders and freedom fighters.
In their concluding remarks, speakers reflected on the July Movement that ousted the previous Sheikh Hasina-led government, accusing her administration and its affiliates of enabling the drug trade. They called for broad national unity to rebuild the country, noting that restoring peace and order requires cooperation from all well-intentioned citizens.
