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Saturday | November 07, 2026 | Dhaka

Ishraque urges joint efforts to fight drug abuse

 Staff Reporter
 Published: 12:08 AM, 07 November 2026

Dhaka-6 lawmaker Ishraque Hossain has called for nationwide social resistance against drugs, urging public representatives, teachers, parents and social and religious leaders to work together with law enforcement agencies.

He made the call while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled ‘Drug Control: Challenges and the Way Forward’, organised by Debate for Democracy at CIRDAP in the capital on Friday. Ishraque said drug abuse was pushing society and the country towards destruction.

He stressed the need for practical measures to protect the younger generation, saying discussions and awareness campaigns alone would not be enough.

Bangladesh has an estimated 8.3 million illegal drug users, with a significant number becoming involved before the age of 25, he said. Protecting young people from drugs is essential to making effective use of the country’s demographic dividend, he added.

The lawmaker called for dismantling drug supply chains, strengthening treatment and rehabilitation facilities, and ensuring adequate manpower, equipment and technological capacity for drug control agencies.

Referring to allegations of political patronage and the involvement of some law enforcement personnel in drug trafficking, he said everyone involved must face justice, regardless of political identity or position.

Sharing his experience in Dhaka-6, Ishraque expressed concern over drug sales and consumption in Gandaria, Dhupkhola and areas around educational institutions. He said initiatives had been taken to address the problem.

He also stressed the role of families in preventing drug abuse, urging parents to monitor their children’s activities and social circles, including their friends. Drug prevention, he said, should begin at home.

Debate for Democracy Chairman Hassan Ahamed Chowdhury Kiron presented the keynote paper.
Professor Dr M A Mohit Kamal, Department of Narcotics Control Director General Hasan Maruf and Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Professor Dr Tajul Islam also addressed the seminar.

Students from Eden Mohila College and State University of Bangladesh took part in the event.