Drug abuse is now an epidemic in Bangladesh. The national dailies publish news on seizure of illicit drugs including Yaba almost every day. Drug abuse and addiction have negative consequences for individuals, family and society. It directly influences the economic and social aspects of a country. Smuggling of various deadly drugs like Yaba into the country goes on unabated through different border points in Teknaf upazila of Cox’s Bazar district and its nearby areas. Chittagong is a transit point for Yaba smuggling. There are millions of drug-addicted people in Bangladesh and most of them are young and in the age range of 16 to 30. And they are from all stratum of the society.
It is high time we need a social resistance, a well-coordinated national drive for drug abuse eradication. If the source of supply can be effectively and credibly checked, traffickers and dealers can be better tracked. The law enforcers must gear up their actions to protect society from substance abuse.
Speakers expressed in a meeting followed by a human chain jointly arranged by YPSA, Shapnil Bangladesh Foundation, Maisha, Barnali, Agrojattara, Oparajeyo Bangladesh, Eco Friends and young people of different level from Chittagong. The human chain was formed in front of Chittagong Press Club on 19 October 2015.
President of Chittagong Peshajibi Shamannoy Parishad Dr. AQM Sirajul Islam presided over the meeting while Program Manager of YPSA Shahidul Islam moderated the program.
