Panchagram Youth Form Anti-Drug Committee to Combat Narcotics and Gambling

Local youths in Panchagram of Shantiganj upazila have launched a community initiative to combat drug abuse and gambling, forming a convening committee aimed at building a coordinated social movement against the growing menace.

The emergency meeting was held on Friday night at Chikarkandi Bazar in Purba Pagla Union, with prominent social worker Akkas Khan presiding over the session. The event was moderated by Alamgir Hossain Maruf.

Speakers at the meeting described drug abuse and gambling as serious social threats affecting individuals, families, and society as a whole. They stressed the need for immediate collective action to protect young people from addiction and criminal activities.

Participants pledged to transform Panchagram into a drug- and gambling-free community through coordinated public awareness campaigns and stronger community engagement.

Convening Committee Formed

At the end of the meeting, participants unanimously approved a convening committee to lead the initiative.

Committee members include Khusru Mia, H.A. Farid Ahmad, Rubel Ahmad, Nazu Ahmad, Iqbal Hossain, Akmal Hossain, Azmal Hossain, Salman Ahmad, and Sabuj Ahmad.

According to the resolutions adopted at the meeting, the committee will organize continuous awareness campaigns, strengthen community-based resistance against drugs and gambling, engage local youths in preventive activities, and work closely with law enforcement agencies to curb illegal activities.

Following the meeting, participants held an anti-drug awareness procession through Chikarkandi Bazar, calling on residents to unite against narcotics and gambling.

Local community leaders praised the initiative, describing it as timely and important. They expressed hope that broad public participation would help establish Panchagram as a safer, healthier, and drug-free community.