Return from a dark world

Twenty two drug peddlers of different villages surrendered to police at a function in Aditmari upazila on Wednesday.

Lalmonirhat Superintendent of Police (SP) SM Rashidul Haque welcomed them with flowers during a programme, organised at Aditmari Police Station premises on Wednesday afternoon, where Aditmari upazila nirbahi officer (UNO), district police officials, upazila and union parishad chairmen, freedom fighters and civil society members were present.

During the programme, all the 22 surrendered drug peddlers also took oath that they will never return to their previous life if they are given chance to lead a normal life.

Matiar Rahman, 64, of Madhupur village, one of the drug peddlers who surrendered, said he is happy to get back to normal life, saying goodbye to the illegal trade forever.

“Drug peddling is a curse. There is no sympathy for the drug peddlers from the society except hate and dishonour,” he said, adding that his neighbours, even family members, used to dislike him when he was engaged with drug peddling earlier.

Jaynal Abedin, 67, of the village, said, “Although I was engaged with drug peddling for many years, it didn't bring any positive changes in my life apart from dishonour and dislike.”

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Aditmari Police Station Masud Rana said although 22 drug peddlers surrendered to police and vowed to live a normal life, a good number of other peddlers went into hiding.

They will continue their drives against drug abuse and those engaged with drug peddling, the OC said.

Police will monitor the 22 people and also ensure exemplary punishment if they do the illegal business again, he added.

SP SM Rashidul Haque said after monitoring them for two to three months, police will support them to earn their livelihood.