Sherpur: Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat today announced that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has declared a zero-tolerance policy against drugs, extortion, rape, and violence against women. "There will be no compromise on these four issues," he stated during a meeting of the Sherpur District Law and Order, Development and Coordination Committee, where he served as the chief guest. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Farida Yasmin and held at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner's office.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Minister Millat emphasized that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is committed to consolidating democracy and advancing the nation's development. He highlighted that the BNP assumed state power through a democratic election during a period of significant challenges, including issues related to electricity, fuel, and gas. "There is, therefore, no reason to be unsettled by these challenges. We are hopeful that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will resolve these issues quickly," he assured.
Millat further described drug abuse as a grave threat to society, destroying families, communities, and the nation. He called for concerted efforts to eradicate the menace, emphasizing the need for cooperation among political leaders, government officials, and citizens to eliminate drugs. "Drugs must be eradicated. With the cooperation of political leaders, government officials, and the people, we have to eliminate drugs once and for all," he asserted.
The minister urged political leaders to refrain from lobbying or making recommendations on behalf of drug offenders or those involved in narcotics activities. He stressed the government's determination to make Bangladesh drug-free, asserting that the country's interests cannot be sacrificed for political considerations.
Addressing government officials, Millat encouraged them to abandon the "partisan subservience" of the past and execute their duties with dedication to building a new Bangladesh. He highlighted the importance of collaboration among the approximately 70 government departments in each district for the welfare of the public. "You are government employees, you receive salaries from the public exchequer, and your responsibility is to serve the people," he added.
He also emphasized that the proper functioning of the upazila administration and police is crucial for maintaining law and order at the grassroots level. "If the UNO and Officer-in-Charge of an upazila exercise proper oversight, law and order in that area will automatically remain under control," he noted.
Millat called for enhanced cooperation between politicians and public officials, which he believes will improve the country's overall law and order situation. He also discussed various government initiatives, such as the Family Card and Farmer Card schemes, canal excavation projects, and a tree plantation program aimed at planting 25 crore trees within five years. In primary education, the government has implemented initiatives like providing books, school bags, and mid-day meals, along with free education for girls up to graduation level.
Millat expressed optimism that the Farmer Card programme, which involves appointing dealers in every union, will soon resolve the existing fertilizer shortage. Regarding development projects in Sherpur, he mentioned a project nearing finalization to prevent floods caused by flash floods from India's Meghalaya state. Proposals for constructing embankments along the Maharashi and Someshwari rivers in Jhenaigati upazila are also at the pre-ECNEC stage.
Additionally, Millat announced plans to construct a hotel in Jhenaigati as part of efforts to develop Sherpur as a tourism destination. "By working together, we will change the fortunes of the long-neglected Sherpur," he concluded.
The meeting was attended by Sherpur-2 lawmaker Md Mahmudul Haque Chowdhury, Sherpur-3 lawmaker Mohammad Fahim Chowdhury, reserved women's seat lawmaker Sansila Zebrin, Superintendent of Police A.K.M. Zahirul Islam, and members of the District Law and Order Committee, among others.