‘Govt steps up efforts to curb drug, internet addiction’
The government is taking various initiatives in education, sports, culture and employment to protect young people from drug and internet addiction, University Grants Commission (UGC) Member Prof Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun said.
He made the remarks in his inaugural address at a workshop titled “Drug and Internet Addiction, Confusion in Career Selection: The Way Forward” held at the International Mother Language Institute. The Bangladesh Anti-Drug Federation and the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) jointly organised the workshop on Tuesday.
Emphasising the need for a humane approach and social resistance to drug abuse, Prof Mamun said drug users should be treated with compassion and given the necessary support and treatment to help them return to mainstream society.
At the same time, he said, those involved in drug trafficking and the major drug networks must be dealt with firmly through social and political measures. “The government must play the most effective role in this regard,” he said.
Prof Mamun noted that awareness campaigns alone are not enough to keep young people away from addiction. He said the government is introducing an “Education with Happiness” programme in the curriculum to create a more joyful and positive environment for young people.
He stressed the importance of coordinated efforts by the government and society to protect the younger generation from addiction and help them make better choices about their education and careers.
Prof. Mamun also said various competitions, including the “Notun Kuri” programme and the “Prime Minister Gold Cup,” are being organized to engage children, adolescents and youths in sports and cultural activities, which will help to develop a positive mindset among them.
Highlighting these initiatives to make the young people economically self-reliant, Prof. Mamun said the government is working with a target of creating one crore jobs within a specific period to reduce youth unemployment. The plan will be implemented through increased domestic and foreign investment, expansion of the public and private sectors and technical training.
He stressed the need to enhance the language and professional skills of the young people seeking employment abroad. He also said support is being provided for information technology, technical training and entrepreneurship development.
Prof. Mamun urged the young people to make full use of the government’s available opportunities and facilities to become self-reliant.
Representatives of various government and private organizations, academics, relevant stakeholders and a large number of young people participated in the daylong workshop.
