Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today distributed Farmer Card at Teknaf Ezahar Government Girls High School premises. Photo: BSS

COX'S BAZAR, April 14, 2026 (BSS) - Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has announced that a special nationwide campaign against drugs will begin very soon, as part of the government's intensified efforts to curb narcotics trafficking.

"Drug abuse has become a major national concern and the government is preparing to launch a stronger, coordinated operation to eliminate it," he said.

The minister made the remarks today while addressing a Farmer Card distribution event held at Teknaf Ezahar Government Girls High School premises.
 
He also highlighted that gambling and online gambling have emerged as serious social problems, and the government is studying effective strategies to tackle them while taking necessary action.

On human trafficking, Salahuddin noted that several regions-particularly Teknaf, Ukhiya, and other parts of Cox's Bazar-have become highly vulnerable. 

He said law enforcement agencies have already been instructed to maintain strict surveillance and conduct coordinated operations to prevent such crimes.

Calling for public cooperation, the minister stressed that community awareness and timely information sharing are crucial for effective law enforcement.

Earlier, a virtual inauguration of a nationwide program to distribute Farmer Cards was held across 11 upazilas of 10 districts.

Following the inauguration, the minister distributed Farmer Cards among 1,698 farmers in Teknaf upazila. 

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including lawmaker from different constituencies in Cox's Bazar Shahjahan Chowdhury, Lutfor Rahman Kajal and Alamgir Muhammad Mahfuzullah Farid, Cox's Bazar Zila Parishad Administrator A.T.M. Nurul Bashar Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner Md. Abdul Mannan, and Police Superintendent A.N.M. Sajedur Rahman, along with senior officials from the administration and law enforcement agencies.