Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu Photo: BSS

By BIPUL ISLAM

LALMONIRHAT, Aug 3, 2026 (BSS) - Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu has said that eliminating social crimes requires strong social shifting alongside law enforcement drives and urged active public participation in the process to ensure sustainable development.

In a recent exclusive interview with Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) at his residence in Ambari village under Barobari area of Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila, Dulu expressed his concerns about social changes and other contemporary issues.

Responding to a query about local development and social security, the minister said development is not only confined to constructing infrastructures. 

"If drugs, gambling, child marriage, dowry and other social crimes spread in an area, sustainable development couldn't be ensured there. Ensuring people's moral values and a safe society is one of the major parts of social development," he said.

"Drugs are the main source of unrest in many families, crime and social degradation," he said, urging collective social resistance against these social evils.

He also highlighted the activities of "Alokito Lalmonirhat" organisation in preventing social crimes, and said the organisation is working to create awareness, in coordination with the administration, among people against social evils like drugs, gambling, child marriage and dowry.

He noted that people from all walks of life are connected throughout this organisation.

Noting the organisation's activities feedback, he said," Many individuals are showing interest in abandoning social crimes and returning to a normal life. We want to expand this initiative further."

He also expressed hope to expand the movement across the country to protect the society from the evil.

Regarding government's development programmes, he said, the government's public welfare programmes are helping improve people's living standards. 

"Canal re-excavation, social safety net programmes, support for farmers, women's empowerment and other development initiatives are advancing the country's progress. However, controlling social crimes is essential to make the benefits of development sustainable," he said.

Regarding Teesta Master Plan implementation, he said implementing the project remains one of the key priorities of the government.

"Once implemented, it will bring positive changes to agriculture, the economy and the livelihoods of people in the northern region," he added.

The minister called on all to build a developed, safe, humane and prosperous Bangladesh that can be built only through the collective efforts of the state, the administration and the people.