JnU Correspondent
The government of Bangladesh is implementing a zero-tolerance policy against drugs. Alongside the government, drug rehabilitation centers are working tirelessly to rescue individuals from the clutches of addiction. However, experts emphasized that if the state, society, and families work together, 99% of the drug-related problems can be resolved.
These observations were made during a roundtable discussion held on Thursday at the conference room of the Department of Narcotics Control’s Dhaka Divisional Office. The event was jointly organized by the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) and BARACA, a non-government drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation center.
The Director General of the Department of Narcotics Control, Khondaker Mostafizur Rahman NDC, attended the event as the chief guest.
In his speech, the Director General stated, “We must monitor our children closely to prevent them from falling into drug addiction. Rehabilitation centers are making significant contributions to helping addicts recover. If the state, society, and families collectively work against drugs, 99% of the problem can be solved.”
Addressing the core theme of the discussion, Additional Director of the DNC Dhaka Division, AKM Shawkat Islam, said, “Families with a drug-addicted member truly understand the suffering involved. Drug addiction among our youth is increasing, posing a grave threat to our nation. The current government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drugs. Our department has approved guidelines for the use of firearms, and we will soon employ them to control drug-related activities effectively.”
Md. Bahauddin, Deputy Director of the DNC Dhaka District Office, remarked, “If we fulfill our responsibilities properly, we can reduce the influence of drugs in society. Solving the drug problem is not possible alone. Only through the combined efforts of the state, society, and families can we tackle this menace.”
During the open discussion, Sulagna, a representative of Ekmatra Society, emphasized the need for family awareness to curb drug abuse. “We need to understand why children are drawn to drugs and address those causes. Additionally, we must work to prevent drug abuse among street children,” she said.
Another speaker, Dr. Azmeri Zaman, suggested institutional counseling for drug-addicted individuals alongside family efforts.
The welcome speech was delivered by BARACA’s Manager, John Montu Palma, while the closing remarks were given by BARACA’s Director, Brother Nirmol Francis Gomez CSC. The program was moderated by Anthony Prince Gomez of BARACA.
The event was attended by Dr. Dulal Krishna Saha, Chief Chemical Examiner of the DNC, representatives from various NGOs, rehabilitation center representatives, journalists, professors, doctors, psychologists, guardians, and other stakeholders.