An anti-drug awareness rally organised by Rapid Action Battalion (RAB–15) was held on Wednesday morning at Palongkhali High School ground in Ukhiya upazila of Cox’s Bazar, urging families, communities and institutions to unite against drug abuse.
The event drew participation from officials of the district administration, law enforcement agencies, public representatives, students, youth, professionals and media workers.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md Abdul Mannan said, “Drugs don’t just destroy an individual – they endanger families, communities and the future of an entire nation.
“When a young person falls into addiction, their dreams, education and career are all lost. They are the driving force of tomorrow, so protecting them is everyone’s duty.”
He led the attending students in taking an oath to stay completely free from drugs.
Presiding over the event, RAB–15 Cox’s Bazar Commanding Officer Lt Colonel Md Kamrul Hasan said, “The fight against drugs is not just a law enforcement battle – it’s a social war. Families are the first to notice signs of addiction.
“If they act early and alert us, we can help with rehabilitation and counselling. Our mission is not only to catch offenders but also to save young lives before they are lost.”
Palongkhali Union Parishad Chairman M Gafur Uddin Chowdhury said drug eradication would remain impossible without strong social resistance and community vigilance.
Cox’s Bazar Additional Public Prosecutor Advocate Rezaul Karim said lawyers play a vital role in ensuring swift justice in drug cases, noting that “if evidence is strong, offenders cannot escape punishment.”
To motivate the youth, Cox’s Bazar football team captain Mobarak Hossain and singer Abdul Malek also spoke at the event. Malek told students, “Drugs destroy dreams from the roots. Nothing in life – pain, sorrow or failure – can justify taking drugs.
“Stay strong and protect your self-respect by saying no to drugs.”
Didarul Alam, executive director of the Nongoar Addiction Recovery Centre, said, “Saving one young person means saving a whole family. Awareness is the strongest defence. Let the message ‘No to Drugs’ begin from every home.”
Palongkhali High School headteacher Abul Hashem delivered the welcome speech.
Also present were officials from Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), police, civil surgeon’s office, the Department of Narcotics Control, local government representatives, teachers, students and media personnel.
At the end of the event, educational materials and sports items were distributed among students by the deputy commissioner and the RAB–15 commander.
