Staff Correspondent: Marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Anti Drug Society organized an anti-drug rally in front of the National Press Club in the capital on Saturday.
Addressing the rally as the chief guest, Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, Adviser to the Chairperson of the BNP, said Bangladesh is currently facing a serious threat from international drug trafficking due to its strategic geographical location.
He stated that Bangladesh lies between three major drug-producing and trafficking regions of Asia—the Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Laos and Thailand), the Golden Crescent (Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan), and the Golden Wedge—making the country vulnerable to being used as a transit route by international drug trafficking networks.
Alal warned that drugs not only destroy individuals but also devastate families, communities and the state. He stressed that the government, law enforcement agencies, political parties, social organizations and the general public must work together to effectively combat drug abuse and trafficking.
Speakers at the rally urged the authorities to strengthen border surveillance, take strict action against drug traffickers and implement effective nationwide awareness programs to protect the younger generation from the dangers of drugs.
The event was attended by leaders of the Anti Drug Society, representatives of various social and political organizations and a large number of conscious citizens.
The rally was chaired by Md. Al Hadi, President of the Anti Drug Society, and moderated by Zakir Hossain, General Secretary of the organization.
Among others who addressed the gathering were Syed Tosharraf Ali, Adviser Editor of The Daily New Nation and columnist; Jahangir Alam Pradhan, former General Secretary of the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ); Professor Shafiqul Islam, teachers’ leader; Principal A.S.M. Mostafa Kamal, Chairman of the National Human Rights Council; S.M. Tajul Islam, Joint General Secretary; Pradip Kumar Pal, Treasurer; Tofazzal Hossain Fuad, Joint General Secretary; M.H. Prince, Organizing Secretary; Kazi Abir Aslam; Ayatullah Akter; and Matiur Rahman, among others.