DHAKA, June 25, 2024 (BSS) - The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking will be observed in the country like elsewhere in the world tomorrow with a pledge to resisting drug abuse for building a drug addiction free Bangladesh.

The theme of the day is "The evidence is clear: Invest in prevention."

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages on the occasion, urging all concerned to work along with the government to save the country from drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

In his message, the President said the present government has taken zero tolerance policy against drug and its illicit trafficking and urged all concerned to join hand with the government to save the youths from drug abuse.

Drug abuse and illicit trafficking is a global problem, he said, adding that despite not being a drug producing country Bangladesh is at the risk of drug abuse and its illicit trafficking because of its geological position. The availability of different types of drugs and illicit trafficking pose a threat to the young generation, he said and laid emphasis on creating awareness among the youth community about the harmful consequences of drug.

The President also emphasized on taking steps to ensure treatment of drug addicts and their proper rehabilitation.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman banned liquor, gambling and horse-race through a government order on January 15, 1972 and following the Bangabandhu's footprint, the Awami League government has initiated many programmes for protecting the country and its people from the drug abuse and its trafficking.

 The government has modernized the Department of Narcotics Control with technology and enacted the Narcotics Control (amended) Act, 2020 amending the Narcotics Control Act, 2018, she said, adding that the government is maintaining a zero tolerance policy to drug abusers, traffickers and patrons.

"We are implementing various activities to protect the youth from drug addiction. Modernization of Dhaka central drug addiction treatment centre is progressing and side by side, the government is constructing 200-bed drug addiction treatment centres in seven divisional headquarters," she added.

In line with the election manifesto, she said the government is providing donation to non-government drug addiction treatment facilities in the country.

The premier hoped the young generation would be able to achieve the target of the UN-declared SDGs by 2030 and build a prosperous, developed drug-free smart Bangladesh by 2041 through utilizing their innovative merits and talents.

She urged all to work along with the government to prevent drug abuse for building a golden Bangladesh as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.