An upazila administration in Jessore is taking an innovative approach to combating child marriage, illegal drugs and begging by offering free mobile phone credit to anyone who can provide tip-offs about the activities.
Md Ahsan Ullah Sharifi announced the plan on Wednesday, less than a week after becoming the UNO of Manirampur upazila.
“If the administration wants, child marriage and illegal drug trading can be easily stopped,” the UNO said.
“There have also been many steps undertaken to rehabilitate the beggars of Manirampur, yet many still beg. I am very strict about such things (and) that is why I have taken the initiative.
“If anyone provides accurate information concerning these matters, they will instantly get Tk50 balance on their mobile phones.”
The UNO issued the hotline number 01733 074039 through which the residents of Manirampur can report instances of underage marriage, drug dealing and begging.
Md Ahsan was previously the UNO of Sreepur in Magura district before becoming UNO of Manirampur on August 9.
He wasted little time in making his mark in his new position, after encountering “a lot of irregularities” at two local schools.
Now, if a student misses three consecutive classes without a logical reason, then that student will be given a transfer certificate (TC).
After getting TC, if any student gets admitted to any other school in the upazila, then that institution must inform the UNO about it.