Lieutenant General (retd) Abdul Hafiz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser -File Photo

CHATTOGRAM, July 17, 2025 (BSS) - Lieutenant General (retd) Abdul Hafiz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Defence and National Integration Development, said the government is working to stop drug routes at the Cox's Bazar border.

Describing the Cox's Bazar border area as a drug supply route, he said that people on the other side are engaging in activities that need to be stopped.

The comments were made in response to questions from journalists after a program organized to mark the export of two tugboats from Western Marine Shipyard to the Emirates at Patenga Boat Club today.

"We may not be able to eliminate the source of drugs, but we can certainly stop the drug routes. A high-level government committee is actively working towards the prevention, eradication, and suppression of drugs. A high-level meeting was recently held in Cox's Bazar," he added.

He further informed that the Home Affairs Adviser presided over the meeting, with the presence of heads of all relevant organizations.

"All efforts will be made to prevent drug smuggling. The government's policy is zero tolerance towards drugs. Despite limited resources, the government is making its best efforts to combat drug smuggling," he added.
He urged journalists to highlight the negative impacts of drug use and play a leading role in raising awareness among the general public.

Responding to another question, he said that over one million Rohingya people have taken refuge in the Cox's Bazar-Ukhia border area.

"The priority is to repatriate them. The government is working diligently towards this goal. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that no immoral or dishonest activities take place in the Rohingya shelter centres. Law enforcement agencies are actively working to maintain law and order and security," he said.