Cumilla: Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher today stated that drug abuse devastates not only individuals and families but also the entire society. ‘We should be united against drugs to prevent crime, terrorism, and social degradation and build a prosperous country,’ he declared while addressing an anti-drug rally organized by Cumilla District Police at the Town Hall ground.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister emphasized the BNP government’s commitment to a ‘zero tolerance’ policy against drugs, announced immediately after assuming office. He revealed that the government is on the verge of enacting the toughest laws against drug-related offenses. The minister highlighted that launching extensive awareness programs and ensuring the proper application of the law to curb drug spread are key election pledges of the BNP.
The minister reaffirmed his unwavering stance against drugs, stating, ‘Before the election, at every election meeting, I pledged that whether I became an MP or not, I would always speak out against drugs and continue the fight against them. Today, as a minister, I am saying the same thing.’ He praised the district police for their ‘no concessions’ policy against drugs, lauding Cumilla District Police for their courageous operations and case filings concerning drug-related crimes.
Taher pointed out that Cumilla’s international border is being exploited by drug traffickers as a smuggling route. ‘Various types of drugs including yaba and phensedyl are entering the country through villages along the border,’ he noted. The Dhaka-Chattogram highway, a major economic artery, is also being misused by drug traffickers.
The minister reiterated the government’s firm determination to dismantle the criminal drug network and declared that Cumilla would not become a safe haven for drug trafficking. He called for a united social resistance to completely eliminate drugs from society, urging all BNP-affiliated organizations, professionals, media workers, students, civil society members, and the general public to collaborate with the District Police in identifying and acting against drug dealers and traffickers.
The anti-drug rally was chaired by Superintendent of Police (SP) Cumilla Md Anisuzzaman. Key figures present at the gathering included Cumilla City Corporation Administrator Yusuf Molla, Cumilla Development Authority Chairman Udbatul Bari, Cumilla District Council Administrator Mostak Mia, Chattogram Range DIG Abdul Quddus, Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Rozi Akter, Cumilla WASA Chairman Ashikur Rahman Mahmud Wasim, and Civil Surgeon Dr ANM Bashir Ahmed.