Global campaign set to raise awareness on drug abuse

On World No Tobacco Day and the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Firefly Campaign launched a global programme to prevent drug abuse in Bangladesh.

This initiative promotes family values, moral education, healthy cultural development, and the creation of sports facilities and libraries, said a press release.

It also focuses on enhancing employment and law enforcement and tackling the illegal drug supply chain through investment, technology, and cross-border cooperation, emphasising patriotism during campaign periods 17-31 May and 20-26 June.

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Shuvro Kumar Ghosh, a student at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET), kicked off the programme by distributing flyers to fellow students.

Inaugurating the campaign, Shuvro said, ‘As a KUET representative, I encourage young people to reject drugs, which ruin lives and futures. Together, we can foster a healthy and vibrant generation. Let's be positive role models, inspiring others to choose life over addiction and understand the true dangers of substance abuse. Stay healthy, strong, and drug-abuse free.’

Speaking about the inauguration, Papel Kumar Shaha, convener of the Firefly Campaign, said it's an initiative aimed at preventing drug abuse worldwide to foster a healthy society.

He emphasised the importance of collective awareness, stating that involvement will create a ripple effect as participants engage those around them, ultimately contributing to a healthier social system.

Geographical convenience, curiosity, frustration, drug availability, social issues, political instability, lawlessness, and globalisation contribute significantly to drug addiction. The World Drug Report 2025 highlights that organised trafficking groups are exploiting global crises to target vulnerable populations, with conflicts expanding drug-related crimes beyond Latin America, notably into Asia and Africa.

The UNODC describes drug addiction as a multifaceted issue impacting social, health, and global security systems. In Bangladesh, a study reveals 8.3 million drug addicts, constituting 4.89% of the population, with a concerning demographic breakdown of 7.76 million men, 2.85 million women, and 2.55 million children.

The Firefly campaign's efforts in this context are significant. Since its establishment on 6 February 2020, Firefly Campaign has been working to build an inclusive and healthy society and the adage “Be firefly in the dark.”

It addresses drug abuse for prevention through direct initiatives and social media awareness activities globally.