Drive against drug abuse
ALO is a welfare organisation for creating Drug Awareness and is run by volunteers. It is engaged in various activities focusing on making society, especially the vulnerable youth, aware of the dangers associated with taking drugs and becoming addicts. For the past five years, ALO has been striving with limited resources, to help those in need of assistance against drugs. The present crackdown on drug trade and usage has been long awaited and overdue. ALO fervently appeals to the authorities that they ensure that the action is planned with a long-term strategy in mind. Total eradication overnight may not be possible, but sufficient safeguards for society should be put into place including heavy deterrents. Placement of new or revision of existing laws are required, with emphasis on practical enactment, usage and clear interpretation. Prosecution and penalties should be a deterrent of sufficient severity. ALO however does not advocate what should be the law or the severity of the penalty. Such decisions are in the hands of the lawmakers. However, the development of an acceptable legal process is required to combat this threat to society. This needs to be supplemented by a special law enforcing wing to keep a continuous vigil, not part-time or sporadic, as well as to measure the progress. To begin with, the public should know what the penalties are for Drug Trafficking in Bangladesh. Sufficient information should be made public. A no-nonsense message should be displayed at every entry point of the country warning travellers of the possibility of prosecution. There has to be a professional awareness campaign, not only spot arrests. The media's (both electronic and print) role is important to send the required message home. The public should be aware that the trade is illegal and will not be tolerated. Severity of prosecution and penalties should be spelt out. This could be a positive step forward. We feel that commendations are in order when due. We also hope that the authorities are aware that assistance is required from the highest quarters, if any meaningful headway is to be made to ensure a Drug Free Bangladesh.
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