Photo: BSS

HATIAZARI, Chattogram, May 14, 2026 (BSS) – State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin emphasized the need to protect the young generation from the clutches of drugs, saying sports and cultural activities are mandatory for students.

"If the youths remain engaged in sports and cultural practices, drug addiction will not be able to take hold among them," he said, calling upon all to work in a coordinated manner to build a drug-free society.

The state minister made the remarks while addressing as the chief guest at a discussion and action plan formulation meeting titled "What to Do to Build a Drug-Free Society" at the conference room of the Hathazari Upazila Nirbahi Officer's office in Chattogram district yesterday, said a PID release today.

Alongside the meeting, he took part in different government programmes throughout the day.

The state minister said the previous government failed to view the thoughts and activities of future generations of youths positively, resulting in their addiction to drugs and the spread of juvenile gangs across society, which polluted the social environment.

He said people from all walks of life must unite and build a social movement against drugs to protect the young generation. "We have to build our future generations as good citizens," he added.

Addressing the students, he said, "You are the architects of a modern, happy, self-reliant and prosperous Bangladesh. Through the combination of talent and patriotism, you will have to take our beloved motherland to unique heights on the global stage."

The state minister also said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been working tirelessly day and night to build a poverty-free and discrimination-free Bangladesh. Ensuring the fundamental rights of the people and improving the living standards of common people are his main goals, he said.

He urged all present to uphold the motto "Bangladesh First" in their hearts.

On the day, the state minister distributed corrugated iron sheets and cash assistance among families affected by fire incidents and natural disasters with the support of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Services distributed wheelchairs among three persons with disabilities and handed over cheques worth Taka 5,000 each to 10 distressed families.

Under the Natural Fish Breeding Ground Development and Management Project of the Halda River, sewing machines were distributed among 75 women from registered fishermen families to create alternative employment opportunities for them.

State Minister Mir Helal Uddin also distributed prizes among winners of the final round of the Inter-School and Madrasa Debate Competition-2026 organised by the upazila administration.

Senior officials of the upazila administration, officials of different government departments, local dignitaries and beneficiaries, among others, were present at the function with Hathazari Upazila Nirbahi Officer Muhammad Abdullah Al Mumin in the chair.