News Flash
DHAKA, June 25, 2026 (BSS) – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said there is no alternative to protecting the country's young people from drug abuse and illicit trafficking aimed at building a developed, prosperous and self-reliant state and society.
The premier made the remarks in a message issued on the eve of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which will be observed in the country tomorrow, as elsewhere across the world.
"Drug abuse and illicit trafficking are no longer problems confined to a single country; they have now emerged as a global challenge. Across the world, the drug problem poses a major threat not only to public health but also to global security and the economy. Against this backdrop, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2026 is being observed worldwide,” he said.
The prime minister said the day is being observed in Bangladesh under the initiative of the Department of Narcotics Control with a firm commitment to preventing drug abuse and illicit trafficking and building a drug-free Bangladesh. He said the observance carries special significance for the nation's social and national development.
"Bangladesh is currently passing through a crucial phase of demographic dividend. With a large segment of the population comprising working-age youth, the country has a significant opportunity to accelerate economic growth. This vast population can be transformed into a productive force through quality education, modern technology-based training, safe and decent employment opportunities, and the development of skilled human resources. However, the spread of illicit drugs has emerged as a serious threat to this promising future,” Tarique Rahman further said.
The Prime Minister said in line with the current government's electoral commitment, stringent legal measures and extensive social initiatives are being implemented to protect the country's young people from the devastating effects of drugs. Drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation centres at both government and private levels have been working relentlessly to help drug-dependent individuals return to healthy and normal lives.
At the same time, the Department of Narcotics Control, as the nodal agency, along with the Bangladesh Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Coast Guard, other law enforcement agencies and field administration, has been carrying out coordinated efforts to curb the spread of drugs, he added.
The Prime Minister said law enforcement alone would not be sufficient to completely address the drug menace, stressing the need for collective and coordinated efforts involving parents, teachers, religious leaders, students, physicians, social workers, NGOs, civil society and the media.
The Prime Minister wished all the programmes undertaken on the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2026 a success.
