Staff Reporter:
A month-long campaign to raise awareness against drug abuse and illicit trafficking was conducted across the districts of Khulna division in June and July, marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking observed globally on 26 June.
The campaign, organised by the Khulna Youth Forum with support from VSO Bangladesh, brought together several non-governmental organisations including Firefly Campaign, The Sundarbans Organisation, and SIKTO Bangladesh. Activities included rallies, discussion sessions, distribution of awareness leaflets, and cigarette filter collection drives.
The events were held across Khulna, Jessore, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Kushtia, Meherpur, Narail, Chuadanga, Jhenidah, and Magura districts with participation from students, local communities, and government officials.
Md Asaduzzaman Limon, joint secretary of the National Youth Forum and president of Khulna Divisional Youth Forum, said, “The simultaneous implementation of anti-drug programmes in all ten districts on the international day marks a significant milestone in our efforts. We must break free from the grip of drugs and work purposefully to achieve our goals.”
Papel Kumar Saha, convener of the Firefly Campaign, said the initiative aimed to build a healthy youth society through raising awareness and encouraging people to influence their communities.
Md Iman Shahriar, executive director of The Sundarbans Organisation, stressed that drugs destroy generations and urged the building of a morally and intellectually strong new generation.
The Firefly Campaign, founded on 1 July 2024, has been conducting awareness programmes to combat drug abuse and played a key role in this divisional campaign.
