The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed Tuesday expressed deep concern at increasing rate of drug addiction and called for taking stern action against illegal production, use and smuggling of drugs to protect the society.

"I came to know that drugs addiction in the country is gradually increasing as growing young people - even adolescents - are being addicted to drugs; this is a matter of deep concern for the nation," he said at an international anti-drugs seminar at Osmani Memorial Auditorium.

Atish Dipankar Gabeshana Parishad and Jamuna Bank Ltd jointly organized the seminar on 'Building Drug Free Society for Sustainable Development'.

Calling for launching a social movement against drug addiction to save the youth community from the menace, the President said drug addiction not only harms individual, society and state, but also destroys civilization and culture.

He called for strict measures against illegal production, distribution, use and smuggling of drugs alongside creating mass awareness about the harmful impact of drug abuse. Prevention of drug abuse, he said, is a holistic approach and needs concerted endeavours from family, society and the State. Mentioning that family is an important primary institution of a society, President Iajuddin said parents and guardians would have to keep careful watch on their children and their associations. He said educational institutions would also have to encourage students to engage in creative works alongside their routine studies. The President said since frustration is one of the reasons of addiction, opportunity for employment must be created. He urged individuals and private sectors to create employment opportunity for the youth in addition to the government initiatives. Prof Dr Anwara Begum, Vice Chancellor of Atish Dipankar Science and Technology University, and Prof. Dr. KM Asaduzzaman, ex-chairman of University Grants Commission, also spoke at the function. President of the Bangladesh Anti-Drug Federation of NGO and Jamuna Bank chairman Nur Mohammad chaired the opening session.