Experts at a workshop in Rajshahi stressed the need for coordinated efforts to prevent children from being used in drug carrying and trafficking and to ensure their healthy development.
They called on both government and non-government organizations to work together to guide children toward becoming responsible citizens and protect them from the dangers of drug abuse.
The remarks were made at a divisional workshop titled “What Needs to Be Done to Prevent Drug Abuse” held on Wednesday at the conference room of the Divisional Office of the Department of Narcotics Control in Rajshahi. Heads of drug rehabilitation centres from eight districts of the division took part in the programme.
Divisional Commissioner Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid attended the event as chief guest, while Deputy Inspector General of Police Dr Muhammad Shahjahan joined as special guest. Additional Director of the Department of Narcotics Control Ali Aslam Hossain presided over the workshop.
Speaking at the event, Dr Bazlur Rashid highlighted the role of society in guiding neglected youth back to the right path. He said raising a child properly is easier than rehabilitating a drug addict and noted that rehabilitation centres play a vital role in helping young people overcome addiction and return to normal life.
He also said drug seizures have increased significantly in recent times and stressed the need for stronger monitoring in border areas to curb trafficking.
The workshop was attended by heads of 61 drug rehabilitation centres operating across Rajshahi Division.
