Satkhira DC, SP join anti-drug rally

They expressed solidarity with the townspeople when over 1000 from different ranks, including officials, public representatives, teachers, political activists, lawyers, religious leaders, students, youths, professionals and businessmen at a meeting here on Monday vowed to eliminate drug use and drug peddling.

DC Md Elias was the chief guest and SP Abdur Rahim PPM was the special guest at the meeting, organised by Satkhira Pourasava Anti Drug Committee, marking the second founding anniversary of Palashpole Social Development and Plashpole Anti-Drug Committee.

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It was held on Satkhira Judge Court Premises with Satkhira Pourasava Anti-Committee President Emamul Islam in the chair.

The speakers were in one voice against drug. They included Sadar thana officer-in-charge (OC) Abdul Kader Beg, municipal commissioners Shafiq Uddowla Sagar and Shahidul Islam, Palashpole Anti-Drug Committee President Maulana Aminul Islam, Master Abu Bakar Siddique, Zakir Hossain and Omar Farooz.

"We must work out an effective plan immediately against drug use and drug peddling to protect our present and future generations," the DC said imploring people of all walks of life to create awareness against the social vice.

"It is a social problem and people's spontaneous participation in a movement will surely free the society from drug use", he said.

It is a manmade problem which is obstructing social development, the DC said.

SP Abdur Rahim urged all to extend all out co-operation to law enforcers in eliminating drug use and peddling. The SP also stressed the need for cooperation and joint efforts by other government agencies and non-government organisations (NGOs).

"Stern action will be taken if any member of law enforcing agency is found helping or sheltering drug peddlers," the SP declared amid cheers from the crowd.

Responding to complaints about a section of policemen sheltering drug peddlers, the SP urged the people to identify and nab them.

Other speakers said drug use, particularly among affluent youths, increased in the town as these are sold almost openly at certain places.

Vowing to work against drug use and peddling, they urged the authorities to take up a comprehensive action plan to stop the vice.