Ishraque calls for nationwide social resistance against drugs
Dhaka-6 lawmaker Ishraque Hossain has called for building nationwide social resistance against drugs involving public representatives, teachers, parents, and social and religious leaders alongside 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 here today.
Ishraque said drugs push society and the nation towards destruction. Pragmatic measures must be taken to protect the younger generation rather than relying solely on discussions and awareness campaigns.
He said Bangladesh has an estimated 8.3 million illegal drug users, with a significant number involve before the age of 25.
Protecting young people from drugs is essential to harness the country's demographic dividend, he added.
He called for dismantling drug supply chains, strengthening treatment and rehabilitation facilities, and ensuring adequate manpower, equipment and technological capacity building of the drug control agencies.
Referring to allegations of political patronage and involvement of some law enforcement personnel in drug trafficking, he said those involved must be brought to justice, regardless of their political identity or position.
Sharing his experience in Dhaka-6, he expressed concern over drug sales and consumption in Gandaria, Dhupkhola and areas around educational institutions, saying initiatives had been taken to curb the problem.
He also stressed family awareness, saying parents should monitor their children's activities and social association including friends, while drug prevention must begin at home.
Debate for Democracy Chairman Hassan Ahamed Chowdhury Kiron presented the keynote paper.
Among others, Professor Dr. M A Mohit Kamal, Director General of Department of Narcotics Control Hasan Maruf and Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Professor Dr. Tajul Islam addressed the seminar.
Students from Eden Mohila College and State University of Bangladesh participated in the seminar.
