Public Resistance Against Drugs Grows in Two Areas of Sitakunda OC Mahinul Islam Calls for Public Cooperation.

Md. Omar Faruk | Special Correspondent SITAKUNDA, Chattogram: A rally and protest meeting against drugs were held in two separate areas of Sitakunda on Friday (August 7), with local residents vowing to build a drug-free society. The programmes were held in the afternoon and evening at Polowan Para under Ward No. 9 of Sayedpur Union and in the Dharmapur-Kolabaria area of Baraiyadhala Union, under the slogan, “Let us pledge together to build a drug-free society.” Speaking at the programmes as the chief guest, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sitakunda Model Police Station Md. Mahinul Islam urged local residents to provide information to police and extend their cooperation in combating drugs and other criminal activities. At around 4:00pm, a drug-awareness rally and protest meeting was held at the premises of Haji Ali Akbar Sawdagar Jame Mosque in Polowan Para. The programme was organised by local residents of Ward No. 9. Addressing the gathering, OC Mahinul Islam said police alone cannot eliminate drugs and crime from society. “Public cooperation is essential. People must provide information to police and work together with law enforcement agencies to combat criminal activities,” he said. He described drugs as a serious threat to families, society and the country, stressing the need for collective efforts to protect young people from drug abuse. The OC also suggested forming community committees in different neighbourhoods to monitor criminal activities and identify individuals involved in such activities. He said efforts should initially be made to rehabilitate offenders socially, and if that fails, police should be informed so that legal action can be taken. He urged residents to immediately inform police if they come across any information regarding drug dealing, consumption or trafficking. “We want every area of Sitakunda to become free from drugs. Police will always stand beside the people. But effective action against criminals requires active cooperation from the community,” OC Mahinul Islam said. Among others, Kazi Enamul Bari, journalist M. Jamshed Alam, journalist S. M. Iqbal, Md. Sirajul Islam, Md. Idris Mia and Md. Delwar Hossain spoke at the meeting. Hafiz Kazi Md. Khairul Islam presided over the programme, moderated by Md. Alauddin. Protest Meeting in Dharmapur-Kolabaria Later in the evening, at around 7:00pm, another protest meeting against drugs was held in the Dharmapur-Kolabaria area of Baraiyadhala Union. The meeting, organised by local residents, was also attended by OC Md. Mahinul Islam as the chief guest. Dr. Anwar, Abdul Hai, Alamgir Hossain and Shahadat Hossain Jihad were present as special guests. The programme was presided over by Nur Mohammad and moderated by Kamrul Hasan Bappi. Speakers said drugs not only destroy individuals but also push entire families and communities towards destruction. They called for strong social resistance against drug dealers and users and urged everyone to raise awareness among the younger generation about the harmful consequences of drug abuse. The meeting concluded with a call for collective efforts by the police, administration and local communities to build a drug-free Sitakunda.