Plug the drug pipeline

Speakers at a discussion in the port city yesterday stressed the need for closing the routes of narcotics entrance, in order to ensure a safe and drug-free environment for future generations.

The discussion was organised by Chittagong zone of Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) at a city hotel, to mark International Day against Drug Abuse.

“All the drugs available in the country come through the border. If the entrances of the contrabands are not closed, it will not be possible to make the country drugs-free,” said Md Abdul Mannan, Divisional Commissioner of Chittagong, in his address as the chief guest.

Citing China as an example, Mannan said the previously drugs-burdened country got rid of their crisis as it took hard steps of closing the drug entrances at their borders.

He also urged the people present at the event to guide their children and to remain aware of their children's activities.

“Companion is very important at young age. Most of the youths go astray being influenced by bad companions,” he said.

Masood-ul-Hasan, additional police commissioner of Chittagong Metropolitan Police, said, “Conducting anti-narcotic drives will never be enough if there is absence of public awareness.”

“Parents should keep eyes on their children, and social organisations should work for raising awareness. It is also important to listen to the youth. When youths are away from their family, the chances of drug abuse rise,” said the officer.

Prof Pradip Chakrabarty, regional director of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, and Md Mojibur Rahman Patwary, additional director of DNC Chittagong zone, were also present among others, while Mohammad Elias Hossain, deputy commissioner of Chittagong, chaired the programme.

The event began with a rally which started from New Market area and ended in front of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation at 9:30am.

An essay competition and a drawing contest were also held after the discussion, where students of different schools participated.