Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said drug abuse cannot be eradicated through legal action alone, stressing the need to build a nationwide social movement against narcotics.
"We have launched an anti-drug campaign. We want to turn it into a social movement involving everyone, and I believe there is no alternative to this. It is not possible to eliminate drugs only through laws and punishment," he told reporters after an anti-drug awareness meeting at the conference room of the Thakurgaon Deputy Commissioner's office.
The meeting was organised to raise public awareness and strengthen social resistance against drug abuse.
Fakhrul, also BNP secretary general, expressed optimism that the initiatives being taken in Thakurgaon will produce positive results and urged all sections of society to play a constructive role in the campaign.
"Our main task is to spread awareness that drugs are harmful and to highlight their devastating impact on people's lives," he said.
The minister urged the administration, teachers, parents, public representatives, social organisations and the general public to work together to prevent drug abuse.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rafiqul Huq, Superintendent of Police Belal Hossain, district BNP President Mirza Faisal Amin and General Secretary Paigam Ali, along with other officials and political leaders, were present at the programme.