He said these things while speaking as the chief guest at a shadow parliament debate competition titled ‘Political Will and Social Movement in Drug Control’ organized by Debate for Democracy at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (FDC) in Dhaka.
The state minister said equal importance must be given to three matters—stopping the drug trade, suppressing drug-related crime, and treatment and rehabilitation of addicted individuals. Employment, skill development, and creating a positive social environment are also essential to keep young people away from drugs.
He also said that drug control requires increased border surveillance, enhancing the capacity of law enforcement agencies, ensuring speedy trials, and improving laboratory capacity for drug detection. At the same time, drug addicts must be given the opportunity to return to normal life through humanitarian support and treatment.
At the event, Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said drug traffickers continue their crimes by changing political identities. He emphasized keeping young people away from drugs and making them skilled in education, research, and modern technology.
Debaters from Bangladesh University of Textiles and Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College participated in the competition. Bangladesh University of Textiles won. Later, the state minister handed over prizes to the winners and participants.
