Dhaka: Students are being called upon to play a critical role in creating a society free from drugs and child marriage, as emphasized by Md Firoz Sarkar, the Administrator of Khulna City Corporation (KCC) and Khulna Divisional Commissioner. In a speech delivered as the chief guest at a discussion event, he highlighted the importance of students staying away from drugs and contributing to social betterment.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the remarks were made during a discussion titled “Role of Students and Civil Society in Building a Drug and Child-Marriage-Free Society,” held at the auditorium of Khulna Collegiate Girls’ School and KCC Women’s College. The event was organized by the Department of Narcotics Control in Khulna, in collaboration with the two educational institutions.
Md Firoz Sarkar underscored the detrimental effects of child marriage, labeling it a significant barrier to girls’ education. He criticized some guardians for making poor decisions that lead to early marriages, which he described as pushing their daughters into uncertainty. He called for increased parental responsibility and awareness to combat this issue.
The discussion was presided over by Rozina Akter, Acting Principal of the school. Additional speakers included Md. Ahsanur Rahman, Additional Director of the Department of Narcotics Control in Khulna Division, and UNICEF Khulna’s Child Protection Officer, Muminunnesa Shikha, who were present as guests of honor.
Other notable attendees were Sharif Asif Rahman, Secretary of KCC, and Md. Mizanur Rahman, Deputy Director of the Department of Narcotics Control, Khulna, who addressed the event as special guests. The welcome speech was delivered by Advocate Sheikh Oliul Islam, the Convener of the organizing committee.