Syed Atik, Gazipur: Marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse, the Youth Department of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Gazipur Metropolitan, organized a colorful anti-drug rally and a brief rally gathering in Tongi on Saturday.
The rally began at 10:00 am from the Asia Oil Pump area near Hossain Market in Tongi. Alongside Jamaat leaders and activists, people from various professions and walks of life participated in the event.
Prior to the rally, a brief gathering was held at the Asia Pump area, presided over by Md. Ziaur Rahman Zia, President of the Youth Department of Gazipur Metropolitan Jamaat-e-Islami.
The chief guest, Professor Md. Jamal Uddin, Ameer of Gazipur Metropolitan Jamaat-e-Islami, addressed the gathering. Special guest Dr. Hafizur Rahman, the party’s nominated mayoral candidate for Gazipur City Corporation, also spoke.
Among others who addressed the event were Azhar Islam Molla, Assistant Secretary of Gazipur Metropolitan Jamaat-e-Islami; Md. Neamat Ullah Shaker, General Secretary of the Metropolitan Youth Department; Maulana Sakhawat Hossain, Finance Secretary; Gazipur City Corporation Ward No. 48 councillor candidate Md. Abul Kalam Azad; Ward No. 53 councillor candidate Haji S. M. Mannan; Ward No. 49 councillor candidate Advocate Md. Shahin Mia; and Ward No. 29 councillor candidate S. M. Jahid, along with other leaders.
In his speech, Professor Jamal Uddin alleged that there are deliberate attempts to destroy the country’s youth by spreading drugs among them. He stressed that safeguarding the nation’s future requires creating employment opportunities for young people and ensuring they receive moral education. He also called for strict action against drug traffickers and those who patronize them.
He further said that the administration, law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary all have a responsibility to play an effective role in combating drug abuse. “People want a safe and drug-free society. Let us unite to build a social movement against drugs and establish a drug-free Bangladesh,” he said.
Following the gathering, the colorful rally started from the Asia Pump area, marched along the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway, and concluded at Cherag Ali. Participants chanted anti-drug slogans and called for greater public awareness to eliminate drug abuse from society.
Leaders and activists of Gazipur Metropolitan Jamaat-e-Islami, professionals, youth, and local residents attended the programme.
In his concluding remarks, President of the Metropolitan Youth Department Md. Ziaur Rahman Zia said that similar programmes would continue in the future to raise public awareness against drugs and promote a healthy, safe, and morally responsible society.