Chattogram: State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Barrister Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin on Wednesday said drugs are a major cause of social crimes and domestic violence, calling for reducing the number of drug users to zero.
He said law enforcement agencies would take strict legal action against those involved in drug smuggling and trafficking under a “zero-tolerance” policy.
The state minister made the remarks while addressing a Class XI orientation programme at Hathazari Government College and several development programmes organised by the Hathazari Upazila administration.
Mir Helal said social isolation and bad company could push young people into a destructive path, urging students to remain vigilant as they build their future.
He stressed the need for families, educational institutions and society as a whole to play responsible roles in keeping young people away from drugs.
The state minister also called on students not to confine themselves to certificate-oriented or conventional education.
“They must be equipped with practical, career-oriented and technical skills to meet global demands,” he said, urging young people to give greater importance to English, Mathematics and Science to keep pace with the modern world.
He said the government had taken targeted measures to expand technical education alongside general education across the country.
Teachers, guardians and students attended the orientation programme, chaired by college Principal Professor Dr Mohammad Arifur Rahman.
Later, at a meeting at the Hathazari Upazila Parishad conference room, Mir Helal directed officials to take strict measures to curb drugs and terrorism.
Hathazari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Muhammad Abdullah Al Mumin, senior officials of the local police, political leaders and prominent local figures attended the meeting.
