Chattogram: Lieutenant General (retd) Abdul Hafiz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Defence and National Integration Development, recently announced that the government is taking active measures to halt drug trafficking routes at the Cox’s Bazar border. This statement was made during a press engagement following an event at the Patenga Boat Club, which commemorated the export of two tugboats from Western Marine Shipyard to the Emirates.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Abdul Hafiz emphasized that the Cox’s Bazar border area is a significant drug supply route, highlighting the need to thwart activities from the opposite side. He stated that while it might be challenging to eliminate the source of drugs entirely, preventing the drug routes is within reach. A high-level government committee is committed to the prevention, eradication, and suppression of drug activities, and a recent meeting focusing on these issues was held in Cox’s Bazar.
The Home Affairs Adviser chaired the meeting, which saw the attendance of leaders from all pertinent organizations. Abdul Hafiz reiterated that the government is committed to zero tolerance towards drugs, and despite resource limitations, significant efforts are underway to combat drug smuggling.
He called on journalists to underscore the adverse effects of drug use and to lead awareness campaigns aimed at educating the public.
Addressing another inquiry, Abdul Hafiz mentioned that over one million Rohingya refugees are currently residing in the Cox’s Bazar-Ukhia border area. He stated that the priority remains their repatriation, with the government actively pursuing this objective. Furthermore, it is critical to ensure that no unethical activities occur within the Rohingya shelter areas, with law enforcement agencies working diligently to uphold security and law and order.