A band of brothers join hands to combat drugs

Youths on patrol in Akua Bangarpool area of Mymensingh town to guard against drug peddling. PHOTO: STAR

In about a month, drug use has come down drastically in Akua Bangarpool, an area known in the town for the social curse. Drug peddlers who had a booming trade earlier have left the area.

Many known drug peddlers including Rukun, Jamir, his wife Parul, Rubel and Jasim have been arrested.

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Twenty-five youths led by Monsur initiated the anti-drug drive. Whenever informed about drug peddling or use, they rush to the spot in a body and stop it. The peddlers dens have almost been rooted out from the area and no body now dares to take drugs in the open.

Equipped with bamboo sticks, flute and torch lights, they start their mission after sunset and search for drug peddlers and users. Their drive has drawn public support, locals said.

Before launching the drive, the youths first met the local Ward Commissioner Syed Shafiqul Islam Minto, who gave them wholehearted support and assured all possible help.

The commissioner discussed the matter with freedom fighter MA Halim Suruj and Alauddin Khoka, president and secretary of local defense party, Officer-in-Charge of Kotwali Police Station Robiul Haque, Chairman of Akua Union Parishad Ramzan Ali Ranju and former ward commissioner Kamrul Islam Walid. They held a meeting with local people.

Seeing their success, youths in other areas of the town now think of launching anti-drug campaign.

Rajan Sen, Shoel, Raju and Prince, all members of the a-drug squad, said they feel proud to be involved in a drive which saves youths from destruction.

They vowed to continue the drive till drug use is completely eradicated and peddlers driven out from the town. They are also conducting a public awareness campaign against drug use.

Talking to this correspondent, Ward Commissioner Minto said the youths are doing a commendable job. Such anti-drug squads should be formed in other areas to remove the social curse.

They have become successful in a work which police and public representatives could not do.

Mymensingh Municipality Chairman Mahmud Al-Noor Tareq said he will extend all support to youths in such good initiatives in Akua Bangarpool and other areas as well.

OC Robiul Haque said, "We are impressed by their success and hope youths in other areas of the town will also launch such drives".

We will welcome such drives even in areas outside the town, he said.

The initiative has been praised by leaders of local socio-cultural organisations like Mymensingh Sangeet Biddhalaya and Prayrona.