The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Home Minister advocate Sahara Khatun on Friday said the border security would be strengthened to stop illegal entry of drugs in the country.

"The government is sincere to make the country free from the abuse of drugs and the border security will be strengthened further to stop illegal entry of drugs," she said while talking to reporters after a function at Shilpakala Academy auditorium as chief guest.

Directorate of Narcotics Control and Home Ministry jointly organized the function in observance of 'International Day against Abuse of Drugs and Illegal Smuggling'.

Home Secretary Abdus Sobhan Shikdar was the special guest at the function, chaired by Director General of Narcotics Control Md Humayun Kabir.

Addressing the function, the Home Minister urged the countrymen to come forward and work together with the government to free the society from drug addiction.

"The government alone cannot stop the abuse of drugs; we need united movement against it," she said. Sahara Khatun said awareness could be a vital tool to prevent drug abuse and bring back the misguided youths from darkness.

"I don't believe imposing law and punishment can make the society free from the curse of drug abuse. Rather, a social movement of awareness campaign and ethical lessons can prevent it more effectively."

She admitted that criminal activities have increased significantly in the country due to abuse of drugs.

"Since the very beginning we've been working hard to improve law and order situation, but we're facing tremendous problem in our every step as each and every sector was almost crippled by the previous government," the Home Minister said.

She said geographical position of Bangladesh virtually makes the land vulnerable to drug abuse. It is not merely an internal problem of Bangladesh, it is rather a global problem.

She sought support from teachers, students, guardians and other members of the society to join the movement against drug abuse to save the young generation.

The Home Minister assured that the law enforcing agencies would never step back from their drive against criminals.

Admitting widespread abuse of drugs in the country, she said drives against drugs are going on and it will be strengthened, if necessary.