State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has alleged that a planned conspiracy is underway to destroy the country’s youth by pushing drugs into Bangladesh from neighbouring India and Myanmar.
Speaking as the chief guest at an anti-dengue and anti-drug rally on Thursday at Kalindi Taj Palace International Convention Centre in Keraniganj, Dhaka, Tuku called upon everyone to remain aware and united against narcotics.
The rally, themed “Not drugs, let education, sports, and creativity be the strength of youth,” was organised by Keraniganj Upazila Administration.
Highlighting that there are no drug factories anywhere in Bangladesh, the state minister said narcotics are being deliberately pushed into the country from neighbouring India and Myanmar so that Bangladeshi youth cannot stand up in the future.
Questioning whether citizens should build the country or lead it towards destruction, Tuku said everyone must work together to build Bangladesh in line with the speed maintained by the prime minister, for whom Bangladesh comes first.
Underscoring the dire nature of the drug situation, which has reached 23 per cent in certain areas, he recalled the painful speech delivered by a father whose child is involved with drugs, warning that the nation will break down if the drug menace is not curbed immediately through public awareness.
He stressed that attending students will grow up to lead society and the country, cautioning that Bangladesh cannot progress or remain intact if today’s children lack goals or destroy themselves by turning to drugs.
Calling for a strict stance against narcotics, Tuku cited the tragic case of Oishee, a police officer’s daughter who killed her parents after becoming addicted to drugs, insisting that society must overcome this situation and prevent drugs from increasing under any circumstances.
Addressing dengue prevention, he emphasised that there is no alternative to public awareness.
He explained that dengue mosquitoes breed in accumulated rainwater inside discarded coconut shells and water containers near homes, which can be prevented by keeping surroundings clean.
Turning to the former regime, he alleged that the fascist government committed every heinous act imaginable during its 17 years in power.
Tuku also expressed outrage that they show no remorse for people killed, forcibly disappeared, or murdered, while instead declaring return dates and contemplating a return to the country.
He added that the public expelled them due to their actions, asserting that they must first express remorse for their mistakes, and urged citizens to remain alert against them as enemies of democracy and the country.
The programme was chaired by Dhaka District Commissioner Farida Khanom.
Additional Superintendent of Police of Dhaka District Police Tarikul Islam and Organisational Secretary of Dhaka District BNP Barrister Erfan Ibne Aman Omi were present as special guests.
Other attendees included Deputy Director of the Department of Narcotics Control Samchul Alam, Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Keraniganj Circle Saiful Islam Bhuiyan, and Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Keraniganj Model Police Station Ruhul Kuddus, alongside government officials, employees, school and college teachers, students, imams, priests, and people from various walks of life.
The entire event was held under the overall supervision of Keraniganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Omar Faruk.
