United efforts urged to combat drug abuse in Gazipur

Speakers at an anti-narcotics discussion in Gazipur on Tuesday stressed the need for forging a collective social movement involving youths to protect families and society from the menace of drug addiction.

They observed that law enforcement alone cannot eliminate narcotics abuse without concerted initiatives by educational institutions, families, social organisations, and conscious citizens.

The event, titled "Drug Addiction: Impacts on Individuals, Families, and Society, and the Role of Youths in Prevention," was held on Tuesday at Shahid Cadet Academy in Gazipur. The Gazipur district unit of Bashundhara Shuvosangho organised the programme.

Shahid Cadet Academy Founder and Principal Shahidul Islam Shahid attended the discussion as the chief guest, with Gazipur district unit of Bashundhara Shuvosangho President Md Imran Hossain in the chair. Office Secretary Tanjina Akter Jerin conducted the session.

Addressing the meeting, the speakers noted that substance abuse severely impairs physical and mental health, derails academic progress, ruins professional prospects, and triggers severe financial hardship and domestic unrest. They categorised addiction as a multifaceted social crisis requiring moral education and parental vigilance from early adolescence.

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Discussants for engaging Taraganj youth in volunteer work

Shuvosangho's Gazipur district unit General Secretary Tanvir Ahmed urged youths to steer peers towards sports, volunteering, and cultural programmes, while calling for medical rehabilitation rather than social ostracisation for victims.

Imran Hossain stated that youths represent the country's greatest potential, warning that illicit drugs threaten this demographic dividend if society fails to offer positive engagements.

Shuvosangho's Gazipur district unit Publicity Secretary Aminul Islam Joy, Health and Human Resources Secretary Jhorna Hiya, and Sports Secretary Abu Bakkar Siddique, alongside members Md Siam, Bonalata, Bithi Akter, Sadia, Sinha Akter Sumaiya, and Anita Akter Ema, among others, attended the discussion.