ZCZC
BSS-33
PM-PRESS CONFERENCE-DRUG
Godfathers won’t be spared in anti-drug drive: PM
DHAKA, May 30, 2018 (BSS) – Iterating her firm stance on the ongoing countrywide drive against narcotics, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said the people are now getting relief from such drives and none, even ‘godfathers’ and ‘dons’, would be spared in this regard.
“The people of the country are getting relief from the anti-narcotics drive and it’s the demand of the people…….even the big dailies are making big headlines over the spread of drugs. Let us do our job,” she said replying to a question at a crowded press conference at her official Ganabhaban residence this afternoon.
The press conference was convened to brief the media about the outcome of her recent tour to India.
The Premier said she does not know who are termed as godfathers of drugs or dons, adding, “I can only say that we’re not considering who are ‘godfathers’ or who are ‘dons’. Actions are being taken against those who are involved in drugs dealing, trading and have such allegations against them.”
She said, “If there is any godfather ……….he or she won’t be spared. I can say this as whenever I deal with something, deal it with an iron hand (Ami jokhon dhori bhalo korei dhori). I don’t look at who is whose brother or whose uncle.”
Sheikh Hasina said questions were also raised when her government had earlier launched the drive against terrorism saying, “We’ve been able to contain terrorism. Such terrorist acts are being done even in the most civilized countries of the world. But, we’ve been able to keep Bangladesh into a good position considering that.”
Terming addiction and trading of drug as a ‘menace’ to the society, she said since the ongoing anti-narcotics drive was launched, some 10,000 drug peddlers, suppliers and drug users have been arrested, but she wondered this was not highlighted in the media with such hype.
Replying to a question, the Prime Minister said that no innocent person has fallen victim of the ongoing anti-narcotics drive adding, “If any innocent person falls victim of the drive, then we’ll surely take steps. But, we’ll have to root out drug from the society and this has always been the demand of all.”
Sheikh Hasina said whenever the police or RAB personnel conduct any drive, then they often had to face unexpected situation. “But, if any injustice happens to anyone, then the offenders will have to face the action.”
She said the law enforcement agencies are not conducting drives all on a sudden, rather they have kept the drug peddlers and the drug producers on constant vigil for a long time.
She posed a question before the media and countrymen whether the society would be in good condition if the anti-adulteration and the anti-narcotics drives are stopped.
MORE/ASG/SH/GM/BR/1910