Manikganj youths rise against drug abuse

People demolishing the house of drug lord Shaymol in Manikganj town on Friday. PHOTO: STAR

Grouped under the 'Conscious Young Generation', they have launched a determined campaign against drug use and drawn people from all classes into their fold to make Manikganj district "free of drug use and trade".

Some local inlfuentials including politicians and representatives of teachers, businessmen and sportsmen have joined them, campaigning to create mass awareness and launching a tirade against drug lords.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

But they are getting a lukewarm response from police, some members of newly floated body told this correspondent.

In the last couple of weeks, they held several gatherings in different areas of the town.

"Our message is well received by the people", one member said.

Enthused by the Conscious Young Generation and determined to "drive away drug traders and demolish their houses", several hundred people led by former municipality chairman Sudev Saha demolished the house of drug lord Shyamol at Dashora in the town. Shyamol is the son of Ram Pashad.

Cricketer Morshed Ali Khan Sumon, journalist Rashedul Islam Khan, college teacher Abdul Karim Biswas and businessman Abdus Salam were also among them.

After demolishing the house, the people submitted a memorandum to Manikganj Police Superintendent to arrest Shyamol. But he was not arrested till yesterday.

The organisers said they demolished Shyamol's house after persuasion to desist him from drug trading failed.

Members of the Young Generation had gone to Shyamol several times earlier and tried to convince him to give up the trade, they said.

When contacted over cell phone, the Manikganj Police Superintendent said he is on leave and advised this correspondent to talk to the Additional SP. The Additional SP said he does not know anything about the matter.

Drugs like phensidyl, hemp, heroin and pathedine injection are taken almost openly in some areas in the town. Youths fall victim to those easily.

Paturia ferry terminal under Shivalaya police station is a safe point through which most of drugs flow into the district, sources said.

The drug trading spots in Manikganj town are known to all. These are Water Development Board office premises near the bus stand, Isu Babur Kachari and the now-demolished house of Shyamol. Just after sunset, young addicts and peddlers flock to these areas.

The campaigners say they have created awareness among people against drug use.

Its use will reduce if smuggling is stopped and law enforces arrest the drug traders and peddlers, which they can do easily, the campaigners say.

They also visit houses of addicts and traders to campaign against drug.

"But it is a tragedy that law enforcing agencies do not respond adequately to our efforts", said Selim, one of the leaders of organisation.

"But we believe we will be able to make Manikganj a drug free district," he said.