State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque on Wednesday stressed that effective drug addiction prevention requires science-based, sustainable and coordinated initiatives.

He made the remarks while joining virtually as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Youth Voice for Evidence-Based Prevention: Prevent, Don’t Promote”, held marking World Health Day.

The seminar was jointly organised by the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) Bangladesh Chapter and Dhaka Ahsania Mission.

The State Minister said curiosity and risk-taking tendencies toward drugs are highest during adolescence and youth.

He also underscored the need to equip young people with accurate information, life skills and positive attitudes at this stage.

The event was chaired by Dr M A Mohit Kamal, Chairman of ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter and Professor of Psychotherapy and Psychiatry.

Among the special guests were Prof Dr Golam Rahman, President of Dhaka Ahsania Mission; Mohammad Golam Azam, Additional Director General (Joint Secretary) of the Department of Narcotics Control; and Prof Dr Mehjabin Haque of the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology at the University of Dhaka.

Iqbal Masud, Member Secretary of ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter and Director of the Health and WASH Sector at Dhaka Ahsania Mission, also spoke at the seminar.

Speakers called for a shift from traditional approaches to scientific and evidence-based strategies for drug prevention, noting that drug abuse is not only a personal health issue but also a major threat to public health and future generations.

They emphasised that addressing drug dependence requires not only treatment but also accessible, youth-friendly mental health services, recovery and rehabilitation.

Reducing drug availability and ensuring a positive social environment require coordinated efforts from policymakers, youth, educational institutions and families, they said, adding that long-term investments grounded in science and human rights are the most effective tools for prevention.

The seminar was moderated by Rakhi Ganguly, Senior Psychologist of the Health Sector at Dhaka Ahsania Mission.

Marjana Muntaha, Coordinator of the Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Wellbeing, delivered the keynote presentation.

During the discussion, speakers identified key factors contributing to youth drug use, including family instability, mental health challenges, negative peer influence, stigma, trauma and social isolation.

They stressed strengthening families as the first line of prevention and called for expanding life skills–based education in academic institutions to promote informed decision-making among young people.

Speakers also underscored the importance of involving youth in drug policy planning.

A Youth Declaration was presented at the event, outlining recommendations for science-based drug prevention initiatives.