Anti-drug rally held in Chouddagram
An anti-drug rally was held in Chouddagram, Cumilla, with a call to build a drug-free society under the slogan, “Where there are drugs, there is resistance.”
The programme aimed to protect young people from the harmful effects of drug abuse and raise public awareness against drugs, terrorism, eve-teasing, and juvenile delinquency.
The rally was organized on Sunday by the ‘Conscious Citizens of Karpati-Boilpur Villages’ at Haji Monir Uddin Ideal Girls’ School.
The event was chaired by noted social worker Md. Ahsan Habib Bepari and moderated by political activist and businessman Kazi Md. Imtiaz Uddin.
Among the speakers were Maulana Muhammad Hasan Majumder, Amir of Konkapait Union Jamaat-e-Islami; senior journalist M. Mosharraf Hossain; President of Konkapait Union Jubo Dal Kazi Mohiuddin Nayan; businessman Rezaul Karim from Chattogram; Vice-President of Konkapait Union BNP Md. Abul Kashem; Ward Jamaat President Md. Belayet Hossain; banker Kazi Mamunur Rashid; social worker Dr. Md. Tajul Islam; journalist Muha. Fakhruddin Imon; expatriate Md. Imam Hossain Patwary; lawyer Abdul Razzak; and other local dignitaries.
The speakers said that drug abuse is a social curse that destroys individuals, families, and society as a whole.
They stressed that combating drugs should be regarded as a collective social responsibility, requiring the active participation of families, educational institutions, religious organizations, and community groups.
They further emphasized that young people are the backbone and future of the nation.
To protect them from the devastating effects of drugs, opportunities for education, sports, and employment must be expanded.
A drug-free youth population, they said, is essential for building a strong and prosperous Bangladesh.
The speakers also called for spreading anti-drug awareness in every household, neighborhood, and village.
They urged people to build social resistance against drug dealers and support those seeking to return to a normal life.
The meeting unanimously decided to prepare a list of suspected drug dealers and users in the area and strengthen awareness activities at both the family and community levels.
It was also decided to take steps to rehabilitate addicts and help them reintegrate into society.
The gathering further resolved to intensify anti-drug campaigns, including identifying drug dealers and, if necessary, handing them over to law enforcement agencies.
Proposals were also made to provide rehabilitation, employment opportunities, and even overseas job placements for those willing to give up drugs.
Other decisions included conducting regular anti-drug drives with the support of law enforcement agencies and organizing mosque-based and community meetings, seminars, and leaflet distribution campaigns to raise awareness about drugs, terrorism, eve-teasing, and juvenile delinquency.
At the end of the meeting, an anti-drug committee was formed unanimously, with Md. Ahsan Habib Bepari serving as convener and Kazi Mohiuddin Nayan as member secretary.
Respected local personalities and social leaders were included as committee members.
The event was attended by a large number of social workers, expatriates, businessmen, teachers, journalists, youth representatives, and community leaders.
