Locals unite against narcotics in Kurigram

Once known for agriculture and cross-border trade, Naodanga union in Kurigram’s Phulbari upazila has, over the years, gained notoriety as one of northern Bangladesh’s major drug hotspots.

Determined to reclaim their community’s reputation, local residents have launched a united campaign against the narcotics trade and abuse.

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Located along the border with India, the union has long been vulnerable to drug trafficking by organised syndicates. Locals allege that narcotics including yaba, cannabis, phensedyl, liquor and others have been traded and trafficked between Naodanga and other neighbouring areas in Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Gaibandha, and Bogura.

They also said the syndicates recruit poor men and women, youths, students and even children as drug couriers by offering financial incentives.

The growing trade has damaged numerous families, fuelled addiction and crime, and left many youths trapped in substance abuse.

Recently, locals organised a mass awareness campaign with the slogan, “Be Aware Against Drugs, Save the Generation, Save Lives”. Human chains, rallies and protest gatherings were held simultaneously at five locations across the union before participants joined a procession.

Elected representatives, teachers, students, journalists, political leaders and people from all walks of life joined the event, where speakers stressed eliminating drugs through collective action.

“Drugs have destroyed our young people and tarnished the reputation of our community. We no longer want to live with this disgrace,” said local resident Ansar Ali.

Moniruzzaman Sarkar, acting principal of Balarhat Adarsha School and College, warned that students remain among the syndicates’ primary targets, urging educational institutions to intensify awareness campaigns.

Local residents said with support from the Border Guard Bangladesh, they will remain vigilant against the narcotics trade in the area by forming volunteer teams.

Musabber Ali Musa, general secretary of BNP’s Naodanga union unit and a former union parishad chairman, said an anti-drug committee has been formed to maintain round-the-clock vigilance.

Shamsul Huda Babul, ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Naodanga union unit, said political differences must be set aside in the fight against drugs.