Cox’s Bazar marked the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025 with a vibrant rally, a discussion seminar, and an award ceremony under the global theme: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention, Break the Cycle: Stop Organized Crime.”
The day’s events were jointly organized by the District Administration and the Department of Narcotics Control on Thursday morning. The anti-drug rally began at 9 a.m. from the District Commissioner’s office premises and paraded through the main streets of the town.
Following the rally, a discussion session and prize distribution ceremony were held at the Shahid Subhash Hall of Cox’s Bazar Public Library. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Salahuddin presided over the program.
In his remarks, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the government’s firm commitment to curbing drug abuse and trafficking. “To protect our youth from the devastating effects of drug addiction, initiatives have been taken to set up more rehabilitation centers across the district,” he said. He further stressed the need for a united front, saying, “Only through collaborative efforts among government agencies, NGOs, and volunteer organizations can we build a drug-free society.”
Among others who spoke at the event were Superintendent of Police Md. Saifuddin Shaheen, Additional District Magistrate Shahidul Alam, Major Md. Nazmul Islam of RAB-15, Anthony Simpson, International Liaison Officer at the British High Commission in Dhaka, Major Md. Nazmus Sakib Khan, Additional Director of BGB Headquarters in Ramu, Ihsanul Ferdous, Additional Superintendent of APBn, Humayun Kabir Khondokar, Deputy Director of the DNC Chattogram Office, and Md. Sirajul Mostafa, Assistant Director of the Cox’s Bazar district office.
The program saw participation from district administration officials, law enforcement agencies, civil society representatives, teachers, students, and members of various volunteer organizations.
The day concluded with the awarding of prizes to the winners of essay writing and art competitions held in observance of Anti-Drug Day.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Courtesy
