Eliminating Drugs and Tobacco is essential for building a smart and advanced nation
— MANAS organized a discussion meeting with Deputy Speaker Shamsul Huq Tuku, MP
The young generation is being destroyed by the curse of drugs. To build a smart Bangladesh as well as to be built up as a developed nation in the world, there is no way of denying the fact that healthy human resources must be grown up. Drugs are the main hindrance to this development. It’s high time we need to keep our youth away from drug and tobacco addiction. On the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking-2023 today (June 25, 2023) at 11 a.m. at the initiative of MANAS (Association for the Prevention of Drug Abuse) at BIRDEM Hospital Auditorium, this was stated by the Honorable Deputy Speaker of National Parliaments Heroic Freedom Fighter Shamsul Huq Tuku, MP.
He was afraid to state that if the young society goes astray, the state may soon fall into danger in coming days. Religious and family discipline can be effective way to eliminate drugs and tobacco. Many smokers and drug addicts are now giving up addiction and trying to live a drug-free life. In this case, strong moral value and psychological strength is very important. We have to decide ourselves – to develop us, either in an effective way or in a dark way. Hon’ble Prime Minister has announced a zero-tolerance policy against drugs. New educational institutions will not be given permission if they do not have playgrounds or open spaces. Such decisions are very positive in drug control.
Heroic freedom fighter Professor Dr. Aruparatan Choudhury, founder and President of MANAS, chaired the meeting where is the special guest in this program, Brig Gen (Retd.) Professor Dr. Md. Azizul Islam Psychiatrist and professor of US Bangla Medical College, Md. Zafrullah Kazal, Additional Director of Dhaka Division of Department of Narcotics Control, registrar of IUBAT Professor Dr. Md. Lutfar Rahman, and Habibul Bashar Sumon, former captain and current selector of the Bangladesh cricket team present as guests of honor. Among others, IUBAT teacher Rubel Hossain and student Purnima Rani Roy delivered their speech on the program.
Habibul Bashar Suman, the former Captain of, Bangladesh National Cricket Team was awarded the ‘Non-Smoking Personality Award 2023’ at the event. Habibul Bashar Sumon said that physical ability is required in sports. It is not possible if you smoke or take drugs. Drugs take away both life and youth. “Many promising young players and their careers, I met have gone to astray because of drugs. I have to decide which direction will be my choice? It is important for my family, society, and state”. He emphasized that social non-profiting organizations like MANAS should come forward.
Heroic freedom fighter Professor Dr. Aruparatan Choudhury in his valuable article stated that addiction is positive. But drug addiction is terrible. Drug results are horrible. It drives people to death. It starts with smoking. Tobacco and smoking are the mother of drug addiction. 98% of drug addicts are smokers. Drugs are the main reason behind various social crimes including murder, rape, stealing and robbery. Bangladesh is not producing drugs, yet the country has gained in drugs. In recent times, ‘ice’ has become a major concern. Currently, there are more than 1 crore drug addicts in the country and 80 percent of them are teenagers and young adults. 60 percent are involved in crime, which is a cause of great panic and fear. Our youth are going astray because of drugs. They don’t even hesitate to kill their parents and loved ones. There are 52 youth gangs active in Dhaka. They are involved in various crimes. Basically drugs! In the information published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Dr. Aruptaran also said that due to the drug trade in Bangladesh, approximately 5 thousand 147 crore rupees are trafficked annually! Drugs are a threat to the economy. Drug eradication should include prevention of drug availability, proper enforcement of laws, raising awareness, emphasis on mental health, friendly behavior towards drug addicts, and ensuring access to medical care.
Professor Dr. Md. Lutfar Rahman said smoking and ragging are completely prohibited in our university ‘IUBAT’. Increasing the price of tobacco products and stopping them can reduce drug addiction. He urged to increase anti-tobacco and anti-drug campaigns in slums and rural areas. Brig Gen (Retd.) Professor Dr. Md. Azizul Islam said, the youth are our light. Drugs destroy that potential light. The negative effects of drugs are everywhere in the family, society, and state. Drug addiction is a mental disease so drug addicts should be treated with love and not hate and drug addiction should be prevented. The youth should be encouraged to stay away from drugs, do sports, and lead a healthy life. If you want to stay drug-free, you have to be strong.
Md. Zafarullah Kajal said, to prevent the spread of drugs, a decision was taken to observe the Anti-Drug Day at the 42nd Assembly of the United Nations. Non-governmental organizations such as MANAS and its founder president are working relentlessly in Bangladesh along with the Narcotics Control Directorate. Strict laws have been enacted to eliminate drugs in the country. ‘Dope test’ is being strictly implemented to get government jobs and to prevent the presence of drugs among employees. This is the positive side. In order to eliminate drugs, tobacco, and ice- smoking should be controlled. Because companies are constantly marketing tobacco and drugs in newer and innovative ways.
The program was conducted by Umme Jannat, project coordinator of ‘MANAS’. Representatives of various public and private institutions, public health experts, teachers of IUBAT, and hundreds of students participated the meeting. The International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT) supported organizing the meeting.
