Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain. File Photo

DINAJPUR, Sept 4, 2026 (BSS) – Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain today called for a united social movement against drugs, gambling, terrorism and other crimes to build a crime-free society.

“Alongside the administration, general people must come forward to build a society free from drugs, gambling, terrorism and other crimes. These crimes can be eliminated by raising awareness at every level of society and building strong social resistance,” he said.

The minister said this while addressing a views exchange programme as the chief guest at the conference hall of Nawabganj Upazila Parishad in the district here this afternoon. Nawabganj Upazila Parishad organized the event.

Noting that he always speaks against drugs, he said drug abuse could destroy a nation, ruin families and jeopardize the future of young people.

“Everyone must raise their voice against those involved in drug trading, drug abuse or organizing gambling sessions both online and offline and leading society astray,” Zahid said.

He called on local people, public representatives and the administration to work together to ensure that no village, union or ward could become a hub of drug dealing, gambling or other anti-social activities.

“Rather than taking action after a crime is committed, the most important role should be played in preventing crimes,” the minister said.

He said a social movement must be built against wrongdoers, regardless of how powerful they might be. 

“Those who commit wrongdoing may exert influence temporarily, but they ultimately face defeat before truth and justice. If we all remain united, no criminal will be able to stand tall in society,” Zahid said.

Zahid said economic development alone is not enough to take the country forward; moral and social development must also be ensured.

He called for keeping the young generation away from drugs, terrorism and crime and encouraging them to engage in education, culture and the practice of human values.

Urging all to work together to realize Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s vision of building a humane, modern and prosperous Bangladesh, the minister said, “There may be political differences, but in the interest of the country, society and future generations, we all must remain united.”

Calling for a coordinated social resistance against drugs, terrorism, extortion, corruption and social degradation, Zahid said, “The responsibility for building a better society does not rest only with the government; it is the responsibility of all of us. If we work together, it will be possible to build a safe, humane and welfare-oriented Bangladesh.”

Nawabganj upazila BNP President Md Tariqul Islam presided over the programme. Nawabganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Bidhan Kanti Halder, district BNP President Atikur Rahman Raja Master and upazila BNP General Secretary Md Iqbal Hossain, spoke at the event, among others.

Local political leaders, public representatives, representatives of different social and cultural organizations and a large number of people attended the programme.

Prior to the views exchange programme, a colourful procession was brought out from the Nawabganj Upazila Parishad premises to mark Janmashtami, the religious festival of the Hindu community. The procession paraded the upazila road before ending at the Upazila Central Temple.

Besides, the minister also released fish fry of indigenous species into a pond on the Upazila Parishad premises. 

He distributed onion seeds and chemical fertilizers as agricultural incentives among more than 100 farmers and handed over financial assistance cheques to 62 distressed and underprivileged women.