22 drug peddlers vow to start fresh life

Twenty-two drug peddlers of Ishwardi upazila under the district promised to give up the crime and motivate others to do the same as the district police administration organised a programme welcoming them to a 'new life' at Locoshed football ground yesterday afternoon.

Earlier on October 3, 24 drug peddlers of Majhgram area of the same upazila surrendered to police to return to normal life, thanks to the motivational programme of the law enforcers. 

"Drug trade and abuse remained a serious problem in Ishwardi uapzila for long. The 22 drug peddlers surrendered to police with a promise to give up the crime as alongside drives, the law enforceers continued motivation programmes to free the area from the menace," said Biman Kumar Das, officer in charge (OC) of Ishwardi Police Station. 

"Family members and neighbours hated me due to my involvement in drug peddling. Besides, I remained worried about possible harassment by police. Finally I have decided to give up drug peddling," Delwar Hossain Delu said after surrendering to police yesterday.

He and 22 other drug peddlers who surrendered to police yesterday also took oath to inspire others to refrain from drug abuse. 

Hailing from Locoshed area of Ishwardi upazila, they were accused in several cases related to drug peddling and its abuse, police said. 

"Police will continue drives as well as motivational programmes against drug trade and its abuse. At the same time, people should come forward to build social awareness to free the society from the menace," Pabna Superintendent of Police Md Alamgir Kabir said in his speech as chief guest at the programme presided over by Ishwardi OC Biman Kumar Das.