Speakers at a discussion have called for launching a social movement against drugs through public-private partnership.
The call came at the discussion titled “Illegal drugs in South Asia and Challenges in Bangladesh” at Rawa Hall in Dhaka’s Mohakhali on Thursday, reports Bangla Tribune.
North South University Professor, Emdadul Haque, read out the keynote paper in the discussion, organized by social platform ‘Madakmukto Samaj, Bangladesh.’
Former caretaker government adviser, chief guest Akbar Ali Khan, blamed vested interests at all levels of the administration for drug abuse, saying the administration should be overhauled to tackle the menace.
“The government effort is inadequate to prevent drug abuse. We need public-private partnership. Only then is it possible to build a drug-free society,” he said.
Akbar lauded the ongoing anti-narcotics drives.
“It is not possible to solve the problem by killing some criminals. The police force and judicial systems should be reorganized. We have to launch a movement in this regard.”
Former inspector general of police, Enamul Haque, said the law should be applied equally for all.
“It is not fair that there are separate arrangements for petty drug dealers and godfathers. The law should be the same for all involved in drug peddling.”
An anti drug procession organized by social platform Madakmukto Samaj, Bangladesh, at Mohakhali, Dhaka on Thursday; June 28, 2018 | Bangla Tribune
He called for tougher measures to stop drug smuggling in border areas.
Former National Human Rights Commission chairman, Mizanur Rahman, said it would be of no use to only detain petty drug peddlers and to allow the godfathers to run free.
Mizanur said people have no faith in the judicial system and police force.
People will question the legitimacy of ongoing anti-narcotics drives conducted by corrupt police officials, he said.
Earlier, an-anti drug procession organized by social platform Madakmukto Samaj, Bangladesh, was held in Mohakhali.
The procession started from Rawa Hall around 9am on Thursday and ended at the Jahangir Gate intersection.
Students and teachers of different academic institutions, including those of Adamjee Cantonment College and Bangladesh International School and College, dignitaries, and locals were present at the event.