Photo:BSS

RANGPUR, June 26, 2026 (BSS) - High-ranking officials said in a discussion that it is time to launch a coordinated social movement against drug abuse 
and illegal drug trafficking to prevent social degradation and save the young generation from destruction.
 
They said this at the post-rally discussion held at the District Shilpakala Academy auditorium in the city today marking the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking- 2026.
 
The district administration and District Narcotics Control Department (DNCD) jointly took up colorful programmes to mark the day.
 
The programmes included a rally, discussion, anti-drug essays and drawing competitions for students to highlight the harmful effects of drug abuse on teenagers and youth, and a prize distribution ceremony. 
 
Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam as the chief guest attended the function presided over by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ruhul Amin.
 
Rangpur Range DIG of Bangladesh Police Aminul Islam, Rangpur 51 BGB Battalion Commanding Officer Lt Col Md. Naziur Rahman, District Police Superintendent Md Mozammel Haque, Rangpur Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Maruf Ahmed, RAB-13 Additional Police Superintendent Biplab Kumar Goswami, Medical Officer Dr Md Rakibul Islam and Rangpur District and Sessions Judge Court Public Prosecutor Advocate Md Aftab Uddin delivered speeches as special guests. 
 
The speakers described the prevailing drug abuse and drug trafficking situation across the country, importance of the day and the steps taken to protect the younger generation and youth from the wrath of drugs. 
 
They suggested parents keep an eye on where their children are going as drug addiction has become a social disease that is enough to destroy the family 
where a drug addict lives. 
 
The chief guest said that Bangladesh is not a drug-producing country. Yet, due to its geographical location, drugs enter the country, of which our promising youth are the ruthless victims. 
 
"To protect the future generation from the terrible scourge of drugs, it is not enough to rely only on the operations of law enforcement agencies; families, educational institutions and society must build resistance together against drugs," he said. 
 
In addition to involving children in sports, cultural and creative activities, it is necessary to increase family surveillance over them and 
conduct regular awareness programmes about the ill effects of drugs in educational institutions, he added. 
 
Later, crests, certificates, and prizes were distributed among the winning students in the essay and drawing competitions.