Government and NGOs Unite to Build a Drug-Free Future

CTG Mail Report :

A drug awareness discussion and cultural programme was held at the Chattogram Theatre Institute auditorium on Wednesday to educate young people about the dangers and harmful impacts of drug abuse.

The programme, titled “Say No to Drugs, Build a Better Future,” was jointly organised by World Vision Bangladesh (Karnaphuli Area Development Programme) and the Swapnil Bright Foundation. The initiative received support from several local and international development organisations, including CDC, Sangsaptak, Aparajeyo Bangladesh, Ghashful, Jugantar Samaj Unnayan Sangstha, and Usha Nari Unnayan Sangstha.

The event was chaired by Johnny Rosario, Programme Manager of World Vision Bangladesh’s Karnaphuli Area Development Programme.

Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Hasan Md. Shawkat Ali attended the programme as the chief guest, while Nezam Uddin, Prosecutor of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC), Chattogram, joined as the keynote speaker.

Among the special guests were Golam Mawla Murad, General Secretary of the Chattogram Press Club, and Md. Zahid Hossain Molla, Additional Director of the Department of Narcotics Control.

Speakers highlighted that drug addiction is severely affecting the physical and mental development of the younger generation and poses a serious threat to society. They stressed that law enforcement alone cannot eliminate the problem and called for greater opportunities for sports, cultural activities, and other healthy recreational programmes to keep young people away from drugs.

They also emphasised the need for coordinated efforts between government agencies, non-governmental organisations, families, educational institutions, and the wider community to build a united resistance against drug abuse.

Around 250 young participants attended the programme.

Following the discussion, members of the World Vision Bangladesh Youth Forum and artist Poly Sharmin performed at an anti-drug concert and cultural programme promoting awareness among the youth.

The event also featured speeches by Lutfunnesa Rupsa, Executive Director of CDC; Maruful Karim Chowdhury, Deputy Director of Ghashful; Md. Ali Sikder, Executive Director of Swapnil Bright Foundation; Liton Chowdhury, Chief Executive of Sangsaptak; Yasmin Parveen, Executive Director of Jugantar Samaj Unnayan Sangstha; Jinnat Ara Begum, In-Charge of Aparajeyo Bangladesh; and Piyush Dasgupta, Programme Manager of Usha Nari Unnayan Sangstha.

Among others present were Dennis Topno, Rita Dolon Rosario, Sharmin Akter, Ripa Chakma, Payel Christina Das, Smita Dey of World Vision Bangladesh, and Sirajul Islam, Project Coordinator of Ghashful.