On Saturday (July 11) at noon, the private organizations Mashal Foundation and Jalal Memorial Organization jointly organized this program at the Deputy Commissioner's office premises.
At the beginning of the program, a brief roadside meeting was chaired by Dr. Ahmed Mostafa Noman, founder president of Mashal Foundation. Speeches were given by Deputy Commissioner Aminul Islam, Pabna Press Club President Akhtaruzzaman Akhtar, Additional Superintendent of Police Rejinur Rahman, and former Press Club President ABM Fazlur Rahman.
The speakers said that only the initiatives of law enforcement agencies are not enough to prevent the spread of drugs in Pabna; families, educational institutions, and people from all classes and professions in society must work together to create awareness.
Dr. Ahmed Mostafa Noman said that Mashal Foundation has been conducting various anti-drug programs for a long time. He said the impact of drugs in Pabna has increased alarmingly. Everyone must come forward to make young people aware. Addressing those involved with drugs, he said, 'Either quit drugs, or leave Pabna.' He also expressed the determination to build a drug-free Pabna through collective efforts.
Additional Superintendent of Police Rejinur Rahman said that such public awareness initiatives inspire law enforcement agencies. He informed that Pabna district police are working on a 'zero tolerance' policy against drugs. He also said that in the last 61 days, one thousand and fifteen drug dealers and users have been arrested in the district.
Deputy Commissioner Aminul Islam said that besides the administration, every person in society must play a responsible role in controlling drugs. Awareness must be built from the family level, and everyone must work unitedly to eradicate drugs.
After the roadside meeting, a bicycle rally started from in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office, paraded through various important roads of the city, and ended at the Government Edward College gate area. A large number of young people, students, and members of various social organizations participated in the program.
